Fit-again Gower is chomping at the bit

The Londoner is currently training alongside his team-mates during a gruelling schedule.

But he has suffered no reaction to the endless running.

"The back problem I had last season turned out to be just a pulled muscle," said Gower who had been plagued by injuries in that area during recent seasons.

"It wasn't anything like I have had before and it was just a case of waiting for everything to sort itself out.

"That happened during the summer break and now I'm feeling fine again."

Gower was a bright spark for the Seasiders in a struggling season last year as he bagged 10 goals from the left flank.

He is keen for more of the same this time around, but wants to see his side challenging at the other end of the table.

"Everyone at the club wants promotion so that has to be the aim," said Gower.

"We know it will be tough and again there will be a few new faces that will have to gel into our team but promotion is certainly the aim."

For that to happen though, Gower insists the Shrimpers must start strongly.

"Our start looks quite tough on paper but we need to get points on board right away," said the 28-year-old whose side start against Leyton Orient before travelling to Leeds United.

"We don't want to carry on from last season, we want to be up there straight away."

Much will depend on the Southend strikers.

But Gower is hoping new signing Charlie MacDonald will make a big impact at Roots Hall.

"I've played against him many years ago when I was at Spurs and he was at Charlton," said the midfielder.

"He was quite sharp and strong back then so, touch wood, he can do well for us here. Every player will have a part to play this year and hopefully Charlie and the other forwards we have can get among the goals."

>Tickets for Blues visit to Great Wakering Rovers on Tuesday evening are on sale every night between 7pm and 9pm except Sunday at Burroughs Park.