ADAM Ferrier has returned to Southend Rugby Club and will go straight in to the squad for tomorrow’s game against Shelford at Warners Bridge.

The hooker was with the Seasiders a couple of seasons ago when they were playing in National One.

And, after a spell with Chelmsford in London Two North, Ferrier has now come back to the club, much to the delight of Southend’s director of rugby Chris Green.

“Adam was with us before when we played in National One and is a very good player so it’s good to have him back with us again,” said Green.

“He’s been playing with Chelmsford after being injured and he’s been there for about a year so he’s in good shape and will go straight in to contention for this weekend’s game against Shelford.”

Southend head in to the game on the back of a vital 20-17 victory against Launceston last weekend.

That ended a run of seven successive defeats for the Seasiders and breathed life back in to their survival hopes.

Green’s team remain second from bottom in the National Two standings.

But they are now just five points behind relegation rivals Lydney.

And Green is keen to close that gap even further.

“We needed that win against Launceston and now we need to build on that,” said Green.

“It’s human nature that the victory would have improved the confidence and that will help too.”

However, fifth placed Shelford have triumphed in three of their last four games and will provide Southend with another stern test.

But that does not concern Green.

“Launceston had won eight out of nine before playing us and we were able to beat them so hopefully we can do the same tomorrow,” said Green.

“We will need to improve on last week’s performance for that to happen but we’re certainly capable of doing that.”

As they attempt to secure a second successive victory though, captain Mike Guess will be out with an eye injury he suffered last weekend.

His brother Lee is also out with an ankle problem while the influential Mike Stanley, who has played at both fly half and centre in recent weeks, is rated 50/50 with an ankle problem.

Utility back Bradley Burr has therefore been added to the squad.