8:47am Thursday 28th August 2008
By Chris Phillips
JAMES Walker is ready to return for Southend United at Walsall on Saturday.
The 20-year-old has not featured since the opening day triumph over Peterborough United after suffering an injury to his right thigh.
But he has now resumed full training and will be in the squad for the trip to Bescot Stadium this weekend.
“I’m fit now,” confirmed Walker.
“I’ll train for the rest of the week and will travel with the boys to Walsall.
“I should be on the bench or in the team, I don’t mind which but having been out for a few weeks now it’s just nice to be involved again.
Walker, who made his loan spell from Charlton Athletic permanent during the summer in a £100,000 deal, is also confident of enjoying a successful comeback.
Many are predicting a tight tussle against the Saddlers who challenged for a place in the play-offs last term.
But Walker cannot envisage any problems.
“I don’t think it’s going to be tricky there at all. We’re definitely going to win,” he said.
Walker will also be looking to play a part in the triumph and could feature in a variety of positions.
He figured mainly as a striker last season after signing but was used as a winger during pre-season and against Peterborough.
“I’ve played on the wing once or twice before and I don’t really like it if I’m being honest,” confessed Walker.
“You have to do things for the team though so I don’t mind.
“I’ll do my best wherever I’m picked but after being injured I know you have to wait your turn.
“That’s how it goes and it’s been so frustrating for me.
“I did all the pre-season work then when the real games got going I couldn’t play.
When you’re watching you just want to be out there.
“But hopefully I will be on Saturday.”
By then Walker could also be joined by another new-boy in attack as manager Steve Tilson will today be holding transfer talks with an un-named French forward who impressed for the reserves in a behind closes doors friendly at Fulham on Tuesday.
But Tilson has yet to decide whether or not to bring in Portsmouth midfielder Jean Francois-Christophe on loan who has been on trial at Roots Hall
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.echo-news.co.uk