MICHAEL Kightly is ready to return to action for Southend United - two months earlier than first feared.

The Shrimpers winger has been sidelined for five weeks with a hamstring injury he sustained at Charlton Athletic in September.

But Kightly initially feared he would be missing until the start of December.

“The first scan we had done on my hamstring was horrendous and it said I was going to be out for maybe as long as 16 weeks,” said the 31-year-old.

“They said there was a rupture which might have required an operation and that wasn’t very nice to hear.

“But, at the same time, my symptoms weren’t suggesting that and once the fluid and blood had cleared up a bit we went for a second scan which wasn’t quite as serious.

“I’ve been working hard and my hamstring is feeling fine now so I’m ready to play whenever the manager wants me to.”

Kightly - who has missed Blues’ last nine games with the injury - scored twice in six starts before being sidelined.

And he is determined to impress again on his return.

“I want to carry on from where I left off and help the boys pick up more points,” said Kightly.

“It would be great to chip in with a few goals but winning matches is what matters most and I can’t wait to start contributing again. Nobody likes being injured and it’s frustrating having to just sit there and watch.

“But I’m back now miles ahead of schedule and I’ve not suffered any reactions since returning to training, so I’m happy with how it feels.”

And, as a result, Kightly has now set his sights on Bury.

“We want the win because with the players we have we’re capable of going on a run,” said Kightly.

“If we do that, we won’t be far off the play-offs but we need a win to kick-start the confidence.”