FIT-AGAIN Ben Coker felt like he had come back home when returning to action for Southend United against Rochdale.

The left-back, who had been out since mid-November with an ankle injury, came on as a second half substitute on Saturday.

And he was delighted to help Blues record a 2-1 win at Roots Hall.

“It was great to be back out there with the boys and it felt like I was back home,” said Coker.

“I hadn’t really ever come on as a substitute before so it was something unusual but I didn’t mind because I was just so desperate to be playing again.

“The game was carnage to watch but to get the late winner made it feel even better and I’m just so happy to be back because it’s been a frustrating couple of months.”

Coker injured ankle ligaments during the 3-0 win against Bradford City and spent close to eight weeks on the sidelines before returning against Dale.

But the 27-year-old is now back to full fitness.

“My ankle is feeling fine and I wasn’t really thinking about it at all when I came on,” said Coker.

“It felt a bit stiff in the warm up because it was so cold but there were no problems when I got on and there are no problems now either.

As a result, Coker is now keen to build on his comeback performance and he is eager to be involved against high-flying Bolton Wanderers this weekend.

“It’s a massive game for us so of course I want to play in it,” said the defender.

“I’ll be working as hard as possible in training and doing everything I can to try and make sure I get picked.”

Michael Timlin has replaced Coker during his absence but could now push back into midfield to allow the full-back to return on the left hand side of the defence.