MICHAEL Kightly will be looking to get one over his long-term mentor when Southend United visit Northampton Town this weekend.

Kightly - who has just returned from a hamstring injury - has been helped by the Cobblers’ assistant manager Dean Austin throughout his successful career.

But that will count for nothing on Saturday.

“I first got to know Dean when I went on loan to Farnborough quite a while ago now and he’s definitely been one of the biggest influences on my career but I’ll be forgetting that this weekend,” said Kightly.

“He’s someone I’ve always looked up to, he played at the highest level himself and I like his philosophy of football.

"I’ve always spoken to him and he’s been a massive help pretty much all the way through my career but I won’t be talking to him this week because I don’t want him knowing anything!”

Austin also lined up for Southend United during his own playing career and coached within the Shrimpers’ youth set-up last season.

However, he will now have the Cobblers fired up to beat Blues and Kightly feels Phil Brown’s side must be ready to battle if they are to end their own run of poor results.

“Northampton are fighting for their lives and we have to be able to match that,” said Kightly.

“If we do that then I think we have enough quality in the team to win the game.”

Blues have been beaten in their last two outings and Kightly remains frustrated to have lost 2-0 at AFC Wimbledon on his return to action on Monday.

“It was nice to play but the result was obviously disappointing so that ruined things really,” said Kightly.

“I had only trained once before the game so my fitness wasn’t as good as I would’ve liked but my hamstring feels good and I’m looking forward to Saturday.”

And Kightly hopes the clash against the Cobblers will be the start of a more consistent spell for Blues.

“I thought we were outstanding against Charlton but we’ve followed that up with two defeats,” said the winger.

“It’s a big month for us.

"We need to be more consistent and hopefully the manager can make two or three signings to freshen things up.”