FIT-AGAIN Kevan Hurst hopes to make his first appearance of the season when Southend United head to his home town club, Chesterfield, this weekend.

The 27-year-old has yet to feature this term after picking up a knee problem during pre-season.

But Hurst played the full 90 minutes in a behind-closed-doors match against Dagenham & Redbridge on Tuesday afternoon and now also wants to get back on the pitch at the Proact Stadium.

“It was good to be playing again during the week and hopefully I can get on at some stage at the weekend as well,” said Hurst.

“I have to manage the injury carefully and ice it quite regularly because otherwise it can become quite stiff.

“But it’s not going to stop me playing and I would like to be able to help the lads build on their fantastic start to the season.

“Saturday is another big game because Chesterfield are another good side who are also doing well and it’s a game I’d love to play in, especially as it’s always a big game for me because it’s where I’m from.”

Blues have won all three of their league matches so far this season.

But Hurst has had to look on from the sidelines after a clash of knees with former Shrimpers trialist Mark Carrington in a training match held the same day as Phil Brown’s side travelled to Chelmsford City for a pre-season friendly.

“I clashed knees with Mark and straight away I knew something was wrong,” said Hurst.

“The scan picked it up and it’s certainly been a frustrating pre-season for me.

“You want to be out there working hard with the rest of the lads and I haven’t had that opportunity.

“But I’m getting back now, playing 90 minutes against Dagenham was a big step forward for me.

“The next aim is to play in the league and help us build on our best start to a season in 23 years, which is something we’re all really pleased about.”