SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher has skipper Nathan Ralph back for Saturday’s match with Aldershot at Roots Hall.

Ralph missed Tuesday’s 2-1 win at Maidenhead United with a one match suspension after being sent off at Oxford City.

And Maher must now decide whether or not to hand Ralph an immediate recall on the left hand side of the back three.

“It’s great to have him back,” said Maher.

“Cav (Miley) did a brilliant job there at Maidenhead but we’ll have a look at that.”

Gus Scott-Morriss joined Ralph on the sidelines at Maidenhead due to a knee problem.

And Maher continues to keep an eye on the wing-back.

“The swelling is coming down on his knee,” said Maher.

“That’s good news and we’ll see how it is.”

Blues will again be without defenders Louis Lomas (groin) and Harry Taylor (hamstring) along with striker Callum Powell (knee).

But checks will be made on midfielder Oli Coker after he returned to training today.

"He joined in training today and we’ll see how he is after that," said Maher.

"We’ll see how he reacts but he’s getting closer."

Coker has missed five of the last six matches with a thigh problem.