HAVING been barracked by his own supporters, suffered an ankle injury and fallen behind loanee Adam Federici in the pecking order, it is safe to say that Southend United goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall has not enjoyed the start he would have wanted with the Shrimpers.

The experienced shot-stopper arrived at Roots Hall during the summer and has not figured for the first team since mid-September.

But, with Federici barred from playing in this weekend’s FA Cup clash at AFC Telford by parent club Reading, Mildenhall will be restored between the sticks.

And the 30-year-old is aiming to grab the opportunity with both hands.

“I’m looking forward to getting out there again and getting a game,” said Mildenhall.

“It’s obviously been a frustrating time for me having to look on as the lads have been really well but fair play to Feds because he’s been superb since he’s come to the club.

“He is an outstanding young goalkeeper but this is a chance for me now and hopefully I can take it.”

Mildenhall sustained the ankle injury towards the end of 1-0 win over Hereford United but bravely played through the pain in the closing stages as the Shrimpers had no substitute keeper on the bench.

But he has since regained full fitness and is now suffering no pain from his ankle.

“It’s been fine for around the past fortnight,” he said.

“The club managed to arrange a couple of friendlies for me to play in against Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham and I had two very good games.

“I was particularly busy against Spurs when we could’ve conceded 10 or 12 goals on another day but it helped me get my match fitness back.”

Those games mean Mildenhall is confident of coming back with a solid display against the Blue Square North side.

And he is desperate to stop the Shrimpers suffering an upset.

“These types of games are what the FA Cup is all about and we have to be ready for what they throw at us,” he said.

“The television cameras will be there hoping for an upset but it isn’t actually a bad place to go.

“It wasn’t that long ago that they were playing in the Conference and I had a couple of mates playing for them before they went bust.

“They are doing well again now so we must remain professional and I’m sure we are going to do that.”