SOUTHEND United winger Michael Kightly is relishing a return to Tottenham Hotspur as part of the Shrimpers pre-season preparations today.

Kightly lined up for Spurs - the club he supports - aged between 10 and 14.

And he is looking forward to facing his former team.

“It will be good to play against Tottenham for what will obviously be a tough game,” said Kightly.

“It’s being played at their training ground which is one of the best around and it will be another good test for us which is what we need.”

Kightly has started pre-season brightly with Blues and was involved in all three of the second half goals Chris Powell’s side scored against Great Wakering Rovers in the first friendly of the summer.

The 32-year-old then also came close to scoring against Aberdeen and is keen to keep on impressing as he strives to help the Shrimpers secure promotion.

“We had top six form for the second half of last season and we want to carry that on a consistent basis now,” said Kightly.

“We want top six if not higher but it’s a competitive League and it will be difficult.”

Blues finished 10th last time around but Kightly is determined to contribute to an improved finish this term.

“I got six or seven goals last season and a few assists but I want more this season,” said Kightly.

“I also want to stay fit. I pulled my hamstring three times last season and it was obviously frustrating because I had gone a few years before that without getting injured.

“I want to play more games this season and hopefully all the hard work we’re doing in training at the moment will help to make that happen.”