SOUTHEND United winger Michael Kightly hopes two cup games in the space of five days can kick start his season.

Kightly has been unable to work his way back into the Shrimpers’ starting line-up since being sent off against Charlton Athletic at the start of September.

And the Basildon-born 32-year-old is eager to be given another chance.

“Obviously it’s been frustrating not playing but hopefully I might get an opportunity in one of the cup games and then it’s up to me to take it,” said Kightly.

“It would be great to have a run in the FA Cup this season but we can only think about Crawley at the moment.”

Blues host Crawley Town on Saturday before facing Southampton under-21s in the Checkatrade Trophy on Wednesday.