RICKY Holmes is ‘itching’ to make his first Southend United start when the Shrimpers head to Cheltenham Town tonight.

Holmes has been on the bench for all three games since joining his home-town club last month.

And Blues boss Mark Molesley knows the experienced winger is keen to step up his involvement.

“Ricky’s itching to start now,” said Molesley.

He’s been around us long enough now and has had some cameos appearances too.

“It’s great that we’re going into these games knowing we have these players getting stronger and fitter every day ready to make an impact on the team.”

The Shrimpers head to Whaddon Road sitting 22nd in the League Two standings, two points above the relegation zone.

And Molesley has been encouraged by Blues’ recent run which has seen them suffer just one defeat in five games against teams all in the top nine places in the table.

“We’ve had a good points return against some top teams lately and if anything we’re disappointed not to have more points for our work,” said Molesley.

“We were disappointed to not get at least a point against Bolton and we were unlucky to not get all three at Cambridge.

“It was another strong performance on Saturday against another good outfit and we nullified them.

“It’s not often Salford don’t score so we’re being hard to beat but there’s always room for improvement.

“We’re trying to get more goals ourselves but with these run of games we’ve had we’ve shown we’re more than up for the fight.”

However, Blues face another difficult match this evening against a Cheltenham who are third in the table.

The Robins have triumphed in four of their last five games and Molesley is fully aware of the size of the task facing his side.

“It will be another tough test and I’ve been really impressed with Cheltenham this season,” said Molesley.

“They’re very well organised and defensively very strong.

“They’re an experienced team and they can hurt you in a range of ways as well.

“Their management have put together a great outfit there and they’ve used their experience wisely.

“They’re a strong team so we will need to be right at our best.

“That’s the challenge but all the teams we play right now seem to be flying and at the top of the form table.

“We’ve got to use that as an incentive but we’re competing with these so called big teams now and it shows how far we’ve come.”

Tonight’s match kicks off at 7pm.