CONOR Clifford insists he is fit and ready to help Southend United give Portsmouth a ‘roasting’ at Roots Hall tomorrow.

The in-form Irish midfielder has shaken off an ankle injury in time to take on his former side.

And he is desperate to ensure Blues get back on track after a five match winless streak.

“It’s only a matter of time before we give someone a good roasting and I think Saturday will be the day,” said Clifford.

“Hopefully we can give Portsmouth a good roasting and can put the chances away we’ve been creating.

“For some reason or another they haven’t been going in but hopefully that can change and once we get that one win I think we’ll go on a good run.”

Clifford will also be eager to help make that happen after working his way back to full fitness.

The 22-year-old battled on towards the end of last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Oxford United after suffering an ankle injury.

And the former Chelsea trainee originally feared he was facing an extended spell on the sidelines.

“It certainly gave me a bit of a fright because I was struggling to put weight on it,” said Clifford.

“I’ve picked up loads of knocks from making tackles in the past but this one really hurt.

“It was quite bruised and I thought it was worse than it actually turned out to be.

“I’m delighted it was nothing too serious and I’ll be fine for the weekend.”

The clash, which is expected to be watched by a crowd of more than 7,000 fans, will also see Clifford facing his former side.

The midfielder made three substitute appearances for the Hampshire side during the 2012/13 season and he also netted his first ever Football League goal during what Clifford remembers as an eventful time in Portsmouth’s history.

“When I first got there during pre-season they had 10 players and literally every day there were bus loads of players coming in from everywhere,” said Clifford.

“It was a mad time and although I wasn’t there for too long but I enjoyed it.

“They have good, passionate fans and there will be a great atmosphere at the game which I’m sure will spur everyone on.

“Portsmouth are also most people’s favourites to win the league, they are probably the biggest club in the league and it should be a great match.”

Blues head in to the game sitting 14th in the table, having taken eight points from their first six games.

Portsmouth are currently ninth.