JOHN White and Mark Milligan are both back in contention for Southend United’s trip to MK Dons tomorrow.

The duo have missed the Shrimpers’ last three matches.

And Blues’ caretaker chief Gary Waddock is pleased to have them available.

“Mark and John are both back in training which is good news,” said Waddock.

“Mark’s trained so we’ll see if there’s any reaction to the injury he had but it’s a welcome boost to have him back with the squad.

“John has trained too and it’s good to have some experience in the group.”

Shrimpers skipper Milligan was sidelined by a hamstring problem which also forced him to drop out of Australia’s squad for their clash with Kuwait while White was forced out with an ankle problem suffered during the 3-0 defeat against Rochdale.

However, the duo could feature again at the weekend as Blues bid to secure their first League win of the season. The Shrimpers have taken just one point from eight games and, after conceding 24 goals in eight games, Waddock is fully aware of where the team must improve to get back on track.

“In the last two games we’ve scored six goals but got one point,” said the former Wycombe Wanderers chief.

“To concede the goals we have done is very disappointing. You have to be able to defend and you have to have a solid base.”

But Waddock will not be pointing the finger at any of his players.

“Mistakes cost us dear on Tuesday but I’m not blaming the players because we all make mistakes,” said Waddock.

“There will be mistakes on Saturday but we have to make sure they’re further away from our goal.

“We need to play higher up the pitch to try and limit the risks.

“But I won’t point the finger at anyone. I’ll take the blame, that’s my role and I’ve said that to the players. If they make a mistake it’s my mistake so they can go out and play with freedom.”

Saturday’s game will also be Waddock’s third in charge following the departure of Kevin Bond.

But he still does not know how long he will be taking the team for.

“The chairman will inform me on when he’s made his mind up and what he wants to do but as it stands at the moment we will continue to prepare the team,” said Waddock.

“The conversations I’ve had with the chairman have been positive and we’re all in this together.

“There’s no easy way out of this - we have to work hard and stick together.”