SOUTHEND United’s Ryan Cresswell is relishing a return to Rotherham United this weekend.

The 24-year-old joined Blues from his home-town club during the summer.

But the centre-back cannot wait to go back back there on Saturday.

“Rotherham is where I’m from so it’s a game I’ve been looking forward to ever since I joined,” said Cresswell.

“I will have a lot of friends and family at the game which will make it extra special and hopefully I’ll get a good reception from their fans.

“I always gave my all for Rotherham and was proud to play for them, but my time there was quite stop-start.

“I had a couple of bad injuries and never got a run of games but I did score a few goals for them and it will be nice to go back.

“Rotherham will be up there this season and are favourites for the game on Saturday, but we will be going there looking to get a good result.”

Cresswell will be also be looking to play a prominent part in helping Blues avoid defeat.

The defender has made an outstanding start to his Southend career and was impressive again on Tuesday night, scoring in his side’s 2-0 triumph over Dagenham & Redbridge in the second round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

But it was actually the clean sheet which gave Cresswell most pleasure.

“We haven’t had too many clean sheets so far this season so that was really pleasing,” said Cresswell.

“That actually meant more to me than getting the goal and it would be great if we could go on to get a few more now.”

FULL STORY IN THURSDAY'S ECHO