EAST Thurrock United are likely to be boosted by the return of Matt Price and Frankie Merrifield for tomorrow’s Isthmian Premier League trip to Horsham.

Price picked up a knee injury during his competitive debut following a switch from Heybridge Swifts last month, while Merrifield missed out on the midweek Isthmian League Cup defeat to Bishop’s Stortford.

But Rocks boss John Coventry is confident the strikers will be available for selection this weekend.

“Pricey has been out since suffering a knee problem in the league game with Bishop’s Stortford, while Frankie had a little knock after the win over Haringey Borough last weekend,” said Coventry.

“I wasn’t willing to risk him against Bishop’s Stortford in midweek because the league is our priority and I didn’t want him to miss tomorrow’s game.

“I’m sure both of them will be back this weekend, which is great news for us.”

Horsham are flying high in third place while Rocks have also made an encouraging start to life back in the third tier of non-league football as they sit four points adrift of the play-off places.

But Coventry does not fear Horsham.

“I have not seen them play but they are near the top of the table so they are clearly a good side,” added Coventry.

“Although the players may think it’s going to be tough, I hope their players think it will be tough for them as well.”

Coventry will be without the injured Mitch Gilbey, Danny Harris and Ben Marlow.