SOUTHEND Saxons back row David Jackson cannot wait to get his teeth into Canterbury at Warners Bridge tomorrow.

The 12th placed Saxons are currently six points clear of the National Two South drop zone.

And Jackson, who has just returned to action after recovering from a nasty mouth injury, is therefore desperate to triumph this weekend against a Canterbury side who are also fighting to avoid relegation.

“The game this weekend against Canterbury is massive for the club and we are all fully aware of the significance of the challenge ahead,” said the 30-year-old.

“If we beat Canterbury then there will be a bit of breathing between us and the bottom three and, with only a few games remaining, we want to make the most of every opportunity we have left.

“We also want to continue our good form in the second half of the season where we have won the majority of our games.”

Southend have triumphed in six of their 10 games since Christmas but were disappointingly beaten 51-28 at Old Elthamians in their last encounter.

Jackson returned to action as a second half replacement during that game.

And he remains glad to be playing again following a five week spell on the sidelines after suffering a nasty setback in a 25-20 defeat at Lydney in January.

“I had both my front teeth knocked out of place in the game at Lydney and it was just one of those things that happen every so often in rugby,” said Jackson.

“Both front teeth had to be put back in place and I will need to get some more work done on them in the summer.

“They have been loose for several weeks but they are recovering nicely now and I am glad to have the last four games of the season to rip into.

“I’m very happy to be back playing and I’m really keen to get involved again.”

Jackson will step up that quest tomorrow against a Canterbury team who sit immediately below Southend in the table.

And the New Zealander is particularly keen to avoid defeat as he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

“I’m very determined to keep Southend in the league because I have had a fantastic two seasons with Southend,” said Jackson.

“I feel very much at home here with all the players and supporters plus I feel as though we are too good to go down.

“That is why we need to have as much focus and intensity in our remaining games as possible, starting with tomorrow.”

Southend will also be boosted by the return of centre Chris Vaughan and winger Mark Billings but Danny Cleare is unavailable due to work commitments