KEVAN Hurst feels he is rediscovering his best form for Southend United.

The winger is currently enjoying his longest run in the Shrimpers starting line-up for 13 months.

And, after helping to create five of his side’s last nine goals, Hurst is pleased to making a positive impact once again.

“It’s great to be back in the team and I feel as though it’s been going well too,” said Hurst, who has started Blues’ last five games.

“My fitness levels are certainly improving and are close to my best which is where I need them to be to be continue to improve.

“I feel as though I’ve been making a good contribution and I’m really enjoying my football again which is really important.

“But I need to keep it going now.”

Hurst struggled for fitness and form last season and was forced to the sidelines early on this term after suffering a knee injury in training.

The winger initially struggled to force his way back into Phil Brown’s side.

But Hurst insisted he was always confident of earning a recall and never considered leaving the club on loan.

“You always have to believe in yourself or else what is the point,” said Hurst.

“I was confident I could get back in the team and going out on loan was never in my mind.

“I’ve had three and a half fantastic seasons at Southend so far and I really want to continue my good run of form so that, most importantly, the team are moving forward and that I can put myself into a position to earn a new contract which is what I want to happen.”

However, Hurst will have to wait for another opportunity to impress as Blues are now not back in action until next Tuesday when they host Millwall in the southern section semi-final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

But Hurst believes the break will help to boost the Shrimpers.

“It’s come at the right time,” said the former Sheffield United trainee.

“We can focus on getting our legs back and I can see it being beneficial for us “It will also allow our injury players some time to get fit and when we have everyone available I think our squad is as strong as anyone else in the division.”

Eighth placed Blues will now be bidding to prove that when their season resumes.

And Hurst is also desperate to get back among the goals having not scored since last September.

“I’m aware that 16 different players have scored for us this season and I’m not one of them,” said Hurst.

“But I’ll definitely get one soon.”