Charlton Athletic shot-stopper Simon Royce today offered to help Southend United out of their goalkeeping crisis.

The former Blues custodian, who played eight Premiership games for the Addicks last season, has just returned to training following a lengthy injury lay-off.

However, Royce admitted he had seen the howlers conceded by Southend's current keepers Mel Capleton and Mark Prudhoe in recent weeks, and would jump at the chance of a Roots Hall return.

"I've started training with the rest of the first-team squad this week, but I'm feeling fit and need to get some games under my belt," said the 28-year-old goalie, who still lives in Hockley.

"I'm sure Charlton would let me go out on loan to play first-team football and I'd certainly be interested in helping Blues out."

Royce, who moved to The Valley on a free transfer at the start of last season after clocking up 149 league appearances for the Shrimpers, has been missing in action for eight months.

He injured right knee ligaments during a 0-0 draw with Blackburn Rovers last May and had to have a tendon removed from his hamstring to rebuild the damaged area of his body.

"At one stage I thought my career might be over, but, touch wood, the operation has been a success," added Royce.

"I started my goalkeeping rehabilitation work seven weeks ago and I'm making steady progress, with the old sharpness gradually returning to my hands.

"And hopefully, it wont be long before I'm challenging for the number one jersey at Charlton again."

However, Royce, who hopes to sign a new contract with the Addicks in the near future, faces a tough fight against Charlton's current first choice keeper - £1 million Republic of Ireland custodian Dean Kiely.

"I've always been willing to scrap for my place and I'm sure I can win this latest battle," he said.

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