SOUTHEND United head coach Kevin Maher hopes to have John White and Abu Ogogo available for Saturday’s trip to Notts County.

Midfielder Ogogo has missed the last three games with a dead leg while centre-back White was ruled out against Maidenhead with a back problem.

But Maher is hopeful the duo will both be back this weekend.

“John had his injection on Thursday and it needs five days to clear so hopefully he’s OK to be available,” said Maher.

“Abs has been training and hopefully he’s available too.”

Josh Coulson (ankle), Jack Bridge (knee) and Simeon Akinola (knee) are all still sidelined.

But left-back Tom Clifford stepped up his return from an ankle injury by starting for the under 23s against Fulham in the Premier League Cup on Wednesday night.

“Tom was out for quite a while so it was important he got minutes,” said Maher.

“He got 45 minutes in a friendly last week and 70 last night so he’s building up a bank of games which is hopefully bringing him closer.”

Clifford has yet to play this season but was on the bench for Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Maidenhead.