ALAN McCormack has more reason than most to be relishing a return to action at Great Wakering Rovers tonight.

The tough tackling midfielder is excited to be playing his first match since May.

And he is also looking forward to facing his house-mate Dan Wornham who is expected to be lining up for Wakering.

“Playing against my house-mate certainly makes things a bit more interesting,” McCormack told the Echo.

“You always look forward to the games starting when you’re in pre-season and this is no different.

“It’s a pre-season friendly so I won’t be looking to be kick Dan or anything like that but I will certainly be trying to nutmeg him - I think that’s the order of the day.”

McCormack and Wornham have lived together in Wakering for the past two years after meeting through Wornham’s parents who looked after the Irishman when he first joined Blues back on loan from Preston North End back in March 2005.

Wornham, 24, works as a fireman and has now returned to Wakering after a spell with Burnham Ramblers.

He looks set to figure in midfield, opposite McCormack, and hopes to avoid being humiliated.

“I only found out I was playing on Wednesday so there hasn’t been too much time for banter just yet,” said Wornham.

“I’m sure that will change and, to be honest, I’m just hoping he doesn’t embarrass me too much.”

Wornham will strive to put in a good performance but, whatever the outcome, he will continue to enjoy living with McCormack.

“He’s a good house-mate,” said Wornham.

“We get on really well and he makes some decent dinners to be fair. He loves getting out the old Jamie Oliver cook book!”

Wakering are hoping to beat the record attendance of 1,150 who saw the corresponding match between the two sides three years ago.

On that occasion, Steve Tilson’s side paraded the League One trophy after celebrating promotion to the Championship.

Apart from Wornham, who is back for his third spell with the club, the village side expect to include a number of trialists, including experienced striker Hugh Ashman, whose previous clubs include Heybridge Swifts.

"I'm really looking forward to the match,” said Wakering boss Iain O'Connell.

"It will be good to see Tilly again. We're always grateful with the way he and Blues help out non-league clubs in the area by arranging pre-season friendlies.

"The money these games raise through the gates play a major part in boosting the finances."

Wakering are to give a testimonial this season to long-serving physio Cleve Taylor, who is to undergo a knee operation in a couple of weeks.

He has been at Burroughs Park for 16 years.

"Cleve's a great bloke and has given tremendous service to this club,” said O’Connell.

"He's also broken his hand not long ago and, as he's self-emplyed, he’s not had a lot of luck recently."