PETER Clarke cannot wait for a special Tranmere Rovers League debut at Southend United on Saturday.

The experienced centre-back made 150 appearances for the Shrimpers between 2006 and 2009.

And he cannot wait to be at Roots Hall this weekend.

“I had three great years with Southend, I look back on them with great fondness and it’s always special coming back so it will be the same on Saturday for sure,” said Clarke.

“My eldest was born in the town so footballing wise and personally as well it holds a lot of good memories.

“The two matches which stand out are beating Manchester United and drawing at Chelsea and just like everyone else to do with the club I’m never going to forget those games.

“But there will be no time for reminiscing on Saturday.

“I’ll be focused on the game because it’s another important one for us.”

Tranmere sit one place above Blues in the relegation zone.

But 38-year-old Clarke is pleased to have teamed up with Rovers.

“It’s a new challenge for me and it’s one I’m excited about,” said the defender.

“I’ve only been here a few days but I already feel at home and we’re looking to kick on.”

Clarke made his Tranmere debut in an exciting FA Cup clash on Saturday as Tranmere fought back from three goals down to draw 3-3 at Premier League strugglers Watford.

But the defender insists Tranmere will not be thinking about their forthcoming replay against the Hornets.

“It’s a cliche but it’s one game at a time and we have to be focused on playing Southend at Roots Hall and nothing else at the moment,” said Clarke.

“It was an exciting game against Watford but we can’t be thinking about that at all right now.”

Clarke will come back to Roots Hall having played more than 750 appearances in his career.

But he has no plans to retire just yet.

“My body still feels good and I love being in the thick of the action,” said Clarke.

“People who have retired have told me to keep playing for as long as you can and that’s exactly what I’ll be doing.

“Coaching is something I’ve prepared for and would like to go into one day but it’s certainly not at the forefront of my mind.

“I want to keep playing and have games like Saturday to play in.

“ It’s one I’m really looking forward to.”