SOUTHEND United centre-back Adam Barrett is dying to get back into the Shrimpers’ starting line-up at Bury tomorrow.

Blues boss Phil Brown will be forced into making a defensive alteration at Gigg Lane with Luke Prosser missing out with concussion.

And Barrett, who has started just one game since returning to the club in January, is desperate to get the nod.

“I’m raring to go and I’m dying to play too,” said the 35-year-old.

“I didn’t come back here to be doing what I’ve been doing for the past 10 or 11 weeks and I’ve found it very difficult and frustrating especially as I have a real fire in the belly to do well for this club.

“It’s up to the gaffer who he picks and I respect that but I was quite clear on what I was coming back for and I feel as though I have a lot to offer.

“People keep asking me what’s wrong but aside from the first week when I had a bit of a calf problem there’s been no injuries and I’ve been ready to play.”

Barrett – who made 289 appearances during his successful first spell with the club - has been working hard in training to remain in the best shape possible, despite his lack of match action.

And the centre-back is certain he can cope with being thrown straight back in against the Shakers.

“It’s difficult staying fit, especially the older you get but I’ve been working as hard and I’m ready to go back in if that’s what the manager decides,” said Barrett.

“It would be great to put the shirt back on again and it’s a big game to be involved in too.”

Blues head to Bury sitting fifth in the League Two standings, four points below their hosts who are immediately above them in the table.

Barrett is keen help the Shrimpers close that gap and believes the players have plenty to be positive about at this stage of the season.

“There’s eight games left and while it’s going to be very tough for us to get into that automatic promotion spot we have to keep on believing, stick together and work extremely hard,” said the former Belfairs School pupil.

“We need to make sure we’re at least in the play-offs and it’s a big game tomorrow.

“Bury are doing well and it’s going to be a tough place to go but there’s no reason why we can’t go up there and get the three points.

“We’re a good enough side to do that and we still have everything to play for.

“There’s plenty for us all to still be positive about.”