SOUTHEND United centre-back Anton Ferdinand insists he remains as hungry as ever for success.

Ferdinand – who lined up in the Premier League for West Ham, Sunderland and QPR – looks likely to start for the Shrimpers at Rochdale in League One tomorrow.

But the 31-year-old is still desperate to pick up the three points.

“Football is football no matter what league you’re in and the hunger will never ever leave me because I’ve worked so hard to get to where I’ve been and where I am now,” said Ferdinand.

“You’re a professional footballer so you approach matches the same way and that – along with my hunger – is never going to change.”

Ferdinand has started the Shrimpers’ last two League games.

And the defender feels he is now starting to approach full fitness.

“I’m getting fitter as the games go by,” said the former England under 21 international.

“I’m still not completely match fit but I can’t wait to be.

“I’m not too far away and I’m starting to feel good.

“In the game against Oxford I was dead on my feet after 60 minutes and Peterborough was about 70 to 75.

“It’s going up but you’ll know when I’m fit as my level of performance will stay the same for 90 minutes.”

Ferdinand will hope that can happen at Rochdale this weekend.

But he is expecting another tough tests against an in-form side.

“It will be a big test away from home,” said Ferdinand.

“Away games in this league are always tough but we’re going into this game with a bit of form behind us.

“We’re doing OK at the moment so it’s a test we’re looking forward to.”

Blues head into the game sitting 21st in the League One standings.

But that does not concern Ferdinand.

“I don’t tend to look at league tables until after Christmas,” said the centre-back.

“At the moment you can win two games in a row and be up in the play-offs.

“But if you look at the players and the depth we’ve got then this team is capable of getting on a run.”