Defender Johnny Herd rates his chances as 80/20 in favour of being fit for Friday night's match with Milton Keynes Dons.

The Blues left-back missed Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Yeovil Town with a hamstring problem.

But Herd hopes to be available for Friday's match against the Dons.

"The aim is to be fit for Friday and that's what we're working towards," said Herd, 20.

"At the moment I would say I'm about 80 per cent certain of being involved but I will have a proper fitness test today and we will know more after that.

"I can still feel some pain but I've done a few sprints and come through that fine, so hopefully I will be able to join in with training tomorrow and then be fit for Friday."

Herd picked up the problem during Southend's 3-0 FA Cup exit at the hands of Gillingham 11 days ago.

He initially expected to be out for up to a month but is now facing a shorter spell on the sidelines.

"It was a bit amateur of me to say I was going to be out that long before I had even gone for the scans," he said.

"They showed their wasn't a tear so instead of looking at being out for around four to six weeks its looking more like one or two which is obviously good news."

However, the youngster insisted that he would not rush back unless he was 100 per cent fit.

"You have to be sensible about it and I wouldn't play on Friday if I'm not fully ready," said Herd.

"The hamstring is a main muscle in your leg so you have to be careful. I don't want to come back too soon then completely pull it because then I would probably be out until after Christmas.

"That's why we are taking it a day at a time but hopefully I will be OK to play against MK Dons."