BEN Coker insists his pre-season campaign has not been disrupted by the uncertainty surrounding his future at Southend United.

Championship club Reading have had three bids for the left-back turned down during the summer break.

But Coker – who will face his former Colchester United side in a friendly at Roots Hall tomorrow – has not been affected by the speculation.

“It’s not been disrupting for me at all, it’s just part of the game,” said Coker, 26.

“I want to play as high as I can and everyone knows that but I just need to play as well as I can for Southend.

“I’m happy here and if I play well then you never know what might happen in football.”

Coker made more appearances for the Shrimpers than any other outfield player last season, despite being hindered by groin injuries.

But, having had an operation during the summer, the defender now feels ready to rediscover his best form.

“Everything is fine and I’m pain free so I’m back to my old self again and I’m raring to go,” said Coker.

“We know this a tough league with some big clubs but we are really up for it and we will give it a right go.”

With that in mind, Blues have been training hard throughout pre-season.

And Coker is looking forward to featuring in their final warm up fixture against local rivals Colchester.

“It’s a week before the season starts so nobody wants to get injured but hopefully there will be a good atmosphere and it will be a good game for our legs before we start the season,” said Coker.

“It will be good to see (Luke) Prosser who has just joined them after moving on from here but I don’t see it as a derby this weekend.

“It’s a pre-season game so nobody will be tearing round like a nutter and it’s just about increasing our fitness levels,” he added.

However, Coker is already feeling in good shape.

“Pre-season never gets any easier and it’s been really hard again this year but we all know we need it,” said Coker.

“I think we’re starting to feel the benefits already and the fitness levels throughout the squad are really squad.

“We just want to get started now and upset a few of the big boys in our league.

“But we also have the Colchester game to deal with and it will be a good test because they’re a good team.”

Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 3pm.