Southend United boss Steve Tilson is unsure if defender Jean-Yves M'Voto will win his fitness race ahead of tomorrows match with Bristol Rovers.

M'Voto has been sidelined for the past three weeks with a hip injury and returned this week to Roots Hall after receiving treatment at Sunderland.

The Frenchman joined in part of training on Thursday and was expected to do so today also.

But Tilson admitted he wouldn't risk him if he was not 100 per cent.

"I would love to stand here and say that Jean is definitely going to be fit," Steve told Blues Player.

"He took part in some training on Thursday for the first time and hopefully he will do the same today.

"We don't want to rush it but if he comes through and trains today then he will start; but he has to be right.

"We are hoping he will be fit but if he isn't fit then we will have to play someone out of position.

"During the week we looked at a couple of things with Christophe and Grant playing at centre-back and that is what we are going to do if we have to do."

Meanwhile, Tilson has singled out Bristol Rovers striker Jo Kuffour as a threat ahead of the Pirates visit to Roots Hall.

"Bristol Rovers have done ever so well," he said. "Jo Kuffour upfront has been scoring goals and he will be a handful but we are up for it and hopefully we can give them a game."

Tilson also confirmed that he hoped to have a deal tied up next week to extend the loan of left-back George Friend from Wolves.

He said: "George wants to stay and we are looking to extend the loan so we are just waiting for Wolves to come back to us.

"He has a great attitude and with the size of the squad it is a no brainer to keep him here."