ANTHONY Straker wants to use the experience he gained while representing Grenada to work his way back in to contention at Southend United.

Straker played all three of Grenada’s CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifying matches.

But his sights are now set on earning a recall at Roots Hall.

“It was a great experience for me but I now I want to try and get games with Southend again,” said Straker, 24.

“The team have been doing really well here while I’ve been away so I know I will have to wait for another opportunity.

“However, maybe I could be on the bench for the Rochdale game tomorrow and then it’s up to me to work my way back from there.”

Straker will also have more time to push himself back in to Paul Sturrock’s plans after Grenada failed to advance to the next stage of the competition.

They drew 1-1 with French Guiana before beating Guyana 2-2 and losing 2-0 to Haiti.

But goal difference stopped them going through.

“It was disappointing because we all felt we could’ve done better,” said Straker, who started in central midfield for Grenada.

“The first game cost us really because we were 1-0 up and conceded an equaliser in the very last minute.

“That came back to bite us and stopped us going through to the next round which would have been in December.

“It was all quite frustrating but it was an enjoyable experience and now I’m back focusing on Southend again.”

Straker is unlikely to figure against Rochdale tomorrow though as Blues have not been beaten in their last six games.

Neil Harris (knee) has also been ruled out along with Ryan Leonard who has suffered a slight leg problem.

But Blues boss Paul Sturrock’s feels the winger’s injury troubles could soon be coming to an end.

“We’ve found out that Ryan has one leg longer than the other and we think this has been causing the injuries he keeps on getting,” said Sturrock.

“We’re getting it sorted out so he can where things in his boots to make both his legs the same length and hopefully that will help keep him fit.”

Southend have no other new injury concerns and Sturrock is expected to select an unchanged starting line-up.

Southend United (from): Smith, Clohessy, Cresswell, Phillips, Barker, Mkandawire, Hurst, Laird, Tomlin, Timlin, Assombalonga, Corr, Eastwood, Martin, Prosser, Bentley, Spicer, Woodyard & Straker