SOUTHEND United centre-back Josh Coulson is keen to kick on after recovering from an ankle injury.

The 32-year-old, who had been out of action since early October with a fractured ankle, played the final 32 minutes of Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Bromley.

And Coulson is now determined to make up for lost time.

“It’s good to be back because I feel like all I’ve done is be injured at the football club,” said Coulson.

“I got off to a very bad start with a broken toe and I didn’t really get the pre-season in that I wanted to.

“The gaffer at the time, Phil Brown, put me in the middle of a three to get my experience out there but I never felt match fit if that makes sense.

“There were a lot of games at the start and it was hard to manage that while doing extra training.”

Despite the lack of training, Coulson started seven of the first eight games of the season before he was forced back onto the sidelines after suffering a nasty injury at Solihull Moors.

And Coulson found the setback tough to take.

“At Solihull to fracture my ankle and damage all the ligaments on the outside was devastating,” said the summer signing.

“I’ve had a few injuries in my career but this one was really hard to take.

“I was just starting to get fit and get going again so it came at a horrible time and it’s been tough.”

Coulson missed 12 matches before being back on the bench for Blues’ FA Trophy clash with Dorking Wanderers.

He then stepped things up by coming on against Bromley following an injury to John White.

And Coulson is relieved to be involved once again. “When you’re out injured, watching the boys train and the results not going our way, I’ve felt helpless and I don’t like that feeling,” said Coulson.

“I said to the gaffer when he came in that I wanted to help and be part of it.

“I’ve been going to the games but it’s good to be back round it again.

“I’ve enjoyed the last couple of games and to get on the other day was a bonus for me.”

But Coulson is now willing to help a depleted Shrimpers squad by starting if necessary.

“At the minute I think I might have to (start),” said Coulson.

“We’ve got a few injuries and a few who are ill but I’ll always put myself out there to help the team. If that’s starting a game then so be it.

“Obviously I still need match-time because the games are a lot different to training. But I’ve done specific sessions in training so hopefully it won’t be too long before I’m back to full fitness.”

And Coulson is already feeling better than he did when he was thrust into action at the start of the season.

“Before King’s Lynn I probably had three days of training but this time I’ve got a good base to work from,” said Coulson.

“I had two or three weeks training with Stef (Russo) and I was running on my own, doing everything I had to do to get back to training.

“It was solid running really which wasn’t fun, especially at my age but I feel a lot better than I did when I first came back at the start of the season.”

However, Coulson is keen to look forward not back and is confident Blues can keep themselves above the relegation zone during the remainder of the National League Campaign.

“I’m really looking forward to the rest of the season,” said Coulson.

“Since the gaffer has come in there’s a good feeling around the place.

“Training is really good and the boys are at it.

“The last few performances have been very good and there’s a lot we can take from them.

“On Boxing Day no-one would’ve known they were near the top and we were near the bottom. They might have had an off day but I think that comes from us.

“We nullified their strengths and we performed better than they did. We deserved to win and we do need to turn these draws into wins but I honestly think it’s coming. There’s a lot more to see from this team.”