SOUTHEND United winger Kevan Hurst will be heading back to his roots when Blues visit Bramall Lane tomorrow.

Hurst spent 11 years with Sheffield United at the start of his career.

And he cannot wait to return this weekend.

“Sheffield United were my first club, I signed there when I was 10 years old and I left when I was 21 so the club means a lot to me,” said Hurst.

“I had a great time there and they are a good club to be at.

“They bring through young players well and there’s a good set up there.

“I’m happy with how they treated me and how they looked after me so it will be good to go back but I’ll obviously be trying to beat them.”

Hurst made four substitute appearances while with the Blades but is now fully focused on re-establishing himself at Southend.

The 30-year-old made just his third start of the season in Wednesday’s 1-0 win against Bristol Rovers.

And he hopes to have done enough to stay in the starting line-up.

“It’s been a disappointing season for me so far with injuries but I’m back to fitness now and looking forward to kicking on,” said Hurst.

“It’s not for me to say whether or not I should be in the team but of course I want to try and establish myself in the team again for the league games.”

Blues head into the clash sitting 12th in the League One table.

But Hurst is keen for that to improve by building on the midweek win against Bristol Rovers.

“We need to keep our form going and we need to kick on and keep believing,” said Hurst.

“We’ve had games lately where we feel as though we should’ve got more points but on Wednesday we put on a good team performance and hopefully that can continue this weekend.”

Blues also looked set to be roared on by a large away following with more than 800 tickets already being sold.

And Hurst will also be making sure he arrives wearing the correct clothing, unlike his first ever visit to the club.

“When I went for my trial there aged 10 I went in my Sheffield Wednesday kit,” recalled the winger.

“John Warnock, who is Neil’s brother, signed me but said never to come back wearing it again!

“From that point onwards I was a Blade rather than an Owl so it will be very special going back on Saturday.

“I scored there for Walsall the last time I went there and it would be great to get another one tomorrow.”