SOUTHEND United defender Harry Kyprianou is determined to end nearly four months of frustration tonight.

Kyprianou – who has not started for the Shrimpers since early January – looks set to be recalled at Oldham Athletic this evening.

And the 21-year-old is eager to make the most of the opportunity.

“Like always I’m keen to impress and play well,” said Kyprianou.

“I’ve shown what I’m capable of already this season so if I do get a chance I’ll be looking to get back to that same level of performance.”

Kyprianou shone for the Shrimpers towards the start of the season, making seven successive appearances before being forced out of the side due to a thigh problem.

Since regaining full fitness, the youngster has found first team opportunities hard to come by.

But he was delighted to be back on the pitch as a second half substitute in Saturday’s 4-0 win against MK Dons.

“I was very pleased to be back out there in front of our fans, who were fantastic,” said Kyprianou.

“It was especially pleasing being involved in what was a very good score-line to match.”

The substitute appearance was Kyprianou’s first since Chris Powell was appointed Blues boss at the end of January.

And the Cypriot under 21 international admitted it had been frustrating waiting for an opportunity.

“Of course it’s been very frustrating not being involved as much as I would have liked, but that’s football,” said Kyprianou.

“We have a good squad of players so competition for places is high, especially when you consider the wealth of experience in the squad.

“However, I still try to learn by watching these guys when I’m not playing.”

And that led to Kyprianou teeing up Theo Robinson for his hat-trick against MK Dons as the defender’s header fell perfectly into the path of his team-mate.

“The movement form the corner for the fourth goal was something I’d seen Turns (Michael Turner) get joy from so I tried it as well,” said Kyprianou.

“Thankfully the ball came and with the help of Theo we got a goal from it.”

Robinson’s strike sealed a memorable afternoon for the forward who has now promised to take Kyprianou out for dinner in return for the assist!

“I’ll make sure he keeps his word and that we go to Nando’s,” laughed Kyprianou.

“The ball actually sat up after I had originally expected it to come straight through to me but I saw Theo was in a good area.

“I tried to knock it towards him and the goal so it would hopefully go in one way or another.”

The victory moved Blues up to 13th in the League One standings.

But Kyprianou - who is favourite to replace the injured Anton Ferdinand - is expecting a tough test at Oldham tonight, despite the Latics sitting just above the relegation zone.

“Given Oldham’s position in the table, I’m sure they’ll be right up for it,” said Kyprianou.

“I expect they’ll come out fighting and maintain that for the full 90 minutes so it will be another difficult game.”