STEPHEN McLaughlin is eager to get back in top gear for Southend United this weekend.

The winger was enjoying the best form of his career before an ankle injury, in late December, curtailed his progress.

But McLaughlin is now eager to catch the eye against Bury and end his 10 game spell without a goal.

“I feel as though I’ve playing OK since coming back in but I’ve been disappointed not to have scored since recovering from the injury,” said the Irishman.

“Sunday would be the perfect time to get back among the goals. I scored against Bury at their place earlier on in the season so it would be good to do it again. Before I got injured I felt I was playing the best football of my career. It’s hard to just come back in and carry on from where you left off but that’s what I’m working towards doing.”

McLaughlin will therefore be wanting to impress against the Shakers as the Shrimpers bid to secure a sixth place finish.

Phil Brown’s side must better Millwall’s result at Bristol Rovers to move into the play-offs and McLaughlin remains hopeful of overtaking the Lions.

“We’re still in with a chance and anything can happen when it gets to the last game of the season,” said the 26-year-old.

“But hopefully things will go our way.”

And, if that was to happen, McLaughlin would be keen to secure more happy memories.

“The last time we were in the play-offs it was great,” said the winger, who scored a crucial goal in the semi-final success against Stevenage. “It would be amazing to experience something like that again.”