Walker aims to prove his worth

The striker, who made his loan move from Charlton Athletic permanent during the summer in a £100,000 deal, has now not scored since last May and has failed to impress so far this term.

The 20-year-old was left out of the squad for Saturday’s trip to Tranmere Rovers but, with Lee Barnard and Dougie Freedman still both injured and Francis Laurent suspended, Walker is set for a recall against the Blue Square North side.

And he is determined to finally hit top form for the Shrimpers.

“In the games I’ve had so far this season I think I’ve done OK but not as well as I could’ve done,” confessed Walker.

“They haven’t really gone that well for me but hopefully I’ll get another chance tonight and I can do more with it.

“I need to show the manager what I can do. I need to work hard for the team and run around a lot too.

“It would also be great to get a couple of goals and then I can go on from there.”

Walker came on a substitute when Blues drew 2-2 at AFC Telford 10 days ago.

But he is expecting a different kind of encounter tonight.

“The pitch was very small at their place and everything was quite congested,” said Walker.

“They put 10 men behind the ball and made things very difficult for us. It will be different this evening though and I think we will be able to get at them a bit more.

“We know we have to work for the win but I think we’re going to get through.”

The winners of tonight’s tie will host either Altrincham or Luton Town in the second round.

They also replay tonight and Walker wants the Shrimpers to enjoy a lengthy run in the competition.

“I’m a big fan of the FA Cup so of course I hope we can go through the rounds,” he said.

“I’ve always watched the cup games and seen all kinds of goals going in.

“It’s very unpredictable and you can never be sure who is going to win.

“Teams raise their games and it’s the upsets which make it special - I just hope there isn’t one tonight.”