SOUTHEND United may be facing Ebbsfleet United in just a pre-season friendly tomorrow but Shrimpers striker Theo Robinson will still be eager to triumph.

Robinson will be facing close friend Marvin McCoy in this weekend’s clash at Stonebridge Road.

And the 28-year-old is desperate to get the better of his former Watford team-mate.

“I’m close friends with Marvin so it’s not just about fitness on Saturday, we need to win,” laughed Robinson.

“We were in the youth team together at Watford and we’ve stayed in contact ever since so we’ve been messaging each other a lot about the game this week.

“He’s a centre-back or right-back so we will be up against each other and I’m looking forward to it.

“We have children who are similar ages and they are coming to watch the game so we definitely need to do well.”

Robinson will also be eager to impress as he strives to secure his place in the Shrimpers strike-force.

The forward, who returned to Roots Hall from Lincoln City in January, scored twice in 18 appearances during the second half of the season but 15 of those came as a substitute.

And Robinson is now working hard to ensure he is handed more opportunities during the forthcoming campaign.

“Pre-season is all about getting fit and ready for the start of the season and that’s what we’ve been doing,” said the striker.

“I feel good at the moment but it’s all about getting that match sharpness now and that’s what the friendlies are for.

“As a striker you also want to get goals in every game you play so it would be nice to get some in pre-season too.”

Robinson’s work-rate in the 4-0 win at Bishop’s Stortford on Tuesday night was heavily praised by Shrimpers boss Phil Brown.

But the striker is now keen to build on that performance and become a key figure for Blues.

“I want to play as many games as I can this season and also get to double figures in goals,” said Robinson.

“Every striker wants to do that and I’ll be working hard to make that happen.

“As a team it was disappointing to just miss out on the play-offs last season and we want to rectify that this season by getting in the play-offs at least.”

Tomorrow’s game will also see Blues facing their former winger Myles Weston.

The 29-year-old scored three goals in 60 games while with the Shrimpers.