MICHAEL Turner is determined to bounce back from his ‘nightmare’ start at Southend United.

The experienced centre-back returned from three months on the sidelines to play 45 minutes in yesterday’s 6-2 win against Gillingham.

And the 33-year-old is now eager to build on his comeback.

“I was relieved to be back out there because it’s been so frustrating coming to a new club and getting injured in pre-season,” said Turner, who has been out of action with a hamstring problem.

“It’s been a nightmare start for me to be honest but hopefully I’m over the injury now and not far off being in the running for the first team.”

Turner - who came through the first half unscathed against the Gills - suffered his injury in late July.

And he remains frustrated at having to wait so long to return to action.

“Originally we thought it was going to be six weeks out and it’s ended up being double that time, which was hard,” said Turner.

“It’s been bitterly frustrating because I was really excited about coming here and I wanted to make a good impression.

“It was a fresh start for me but everything went well on my return and hopefully I can move on from this now and contribute to a successful season.”

And Turner now hopes to be handed his first team debut in the next few days.

“We have two cup games coming up so that could give me an opportunity to get more minutes under my belt and then we’ll go from there,” he added.