LOUIS Lomas is ready to kick on at Southend United after bouncing back from a disrupted pre-season.

The centre-back, who will make his home debut against Oldham Athletic tomorrow, missed the majority of the Shrimpers’ summer preparations with a thigh problem.

But Lomas played the full 90 minutes in Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw at Halifax Town and is delighted to be back in action.

“Pre-season was very stop-start for me,” said Lomas.

“I didn’t really have a run of games or training throughout so it put me on the back foot a bit.

“But coming back and getting back to full fitness was my aim and I feel like I’m pretty much there now, especially with 90 minutes under my belt on Tuesday.

“That did me good and I feel like I’m ready to go again on Saturday now.”

Blues will head into the game on the back of two successive draws.

And Lomas cannot wait for kick-off.

“I can’t wait for Saturday and making my first appearance at Roots Hall,” said Lomas.

“It’s going to be really exciting to be in front of all the fans and hopefully we can make it a good one too by getting three points.

“It’s great to be back playing again and that’s what I’ve been working towards after being out for quite a while.

“I’m excited to see what happens now.”

But Lomas, who was with Brackley Town last season, is fully aware the Shrimpers will have to work hard for any success coming their way.

“It’s a tough standard and you’ve got to be on it in every game and there are no easy games,” said the summer signing.

“I experienced that in National League North last year but I will relish it and enjoy the experience as much as I can.”

Lomas made his first appearance of the season as a second half substitute against Solihull before starting against Halifax Town.

Both appearances came as a left-sided centre-back, a role the 21-year-old enjoys playing in.

“I’ve played there many times last season,” said Lomas.

“I’m comfortable anywhere across the back and slotting in there comes naturally to me.”

But playing regular first team football is what inspires Lomas most and is also what led to him joining Brackley Town last summer following his release from Norwich City.

“I wanted to be playing men’s football and that’s the start of the journey,” said Lomas.

“It’s always difficult breaking into a first team like Norwich, especially when they’re in the Premier League like they were at the time.

“But I just want to play as many games as I can.

“It’s a big challenge for me at Southend now but hopefully it’s a successful one.”

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