TOM Ashton cannot wait to be back in action for Southend Saxons this weekend.

The experienced fly-half has been out of action for the past 10 weeks after breaking his ankle during a 34-12 defeat to Wimbledon.

But the former Rochford Hundred man has now regained full fitness.

And he is excited to be lining up against Westcombe Park tomorrow.

“It is a horrible feeling to have to sit out and watch your side and know you can’t do anything about what’s happening on the pitch so I’m really pleased to be back amongst it all again,” said Ashton.

“I’ll be doing what I can to help us find solutions to what hasn’t been going our way and I’m really excited about Saturday’s game.”

But Southend will be heading into the showdown as underdogs having suffered four defeats in succession.

The run of poor results has seen Saxons slide down to 10th in the National Three London & SE standings, well below Westcombe Park who are currently third.

The Kent club have won 10 of their 12 games so far this term.

But Ashton believes Southend can cause an upset if they produce an improved performance.

“Westcombe Park will be a tough test this weekend but if we don’t cut out the mistakes and learn quickly then it’s going to be a struggle against whoever we play,” said Ashton.

“But if we can get it together and put into action what we should and what I know we are capable of I am optimistic of getting something from the game.

“It is important to put in a good performance but we will certainly take a scrappy win at the moment because we need to stop this bad run we’re on.”

However, Ashton’s return will provide Saxons with a big boost as with both Bradley Burr and Rob Baynes also sidelined with injuries, Southend have been severely lacking a natural kicker.

Ashton will provide that this weekend and, having been back in training for the past few weeks, he now has every confidence in his ankle.

“I’ve been training for a little while now and my ankle is feeling really good again,” said Ashton.

“I would have liked to have come back even sooner than this because I felt ready.

“But I understand the need to be sensible about these things and training has been going well.

“I feel fit and ready to return and I’m looking forward to getting out there again.”

Southend will also be keen to get back to winning ways against Westcombe Park this weekend as they make the short trip to their in-form local rivals Westcliff next Saturday.