SOUTHEND United defender Kacper Lopata cannot wait for his first Roots Hall game in six months tomorrow.

Lopata will be part of the Shrimpers side looking to shock high-flying Wrexham.

And the 21-year-old is excited to be back in familiar territory.

“I’m buzzing about it already,” said the defender.

“I haven’t played there since God knows when, it’s been months.

“It’s something I’m looking forward to with the fans there and the atmosphere.

“Hopefully we can get a result.”

Lopata became a fans favourite during his loan spell with Blues from Sheffield United last season.

And their support was part of the centre-back’s decision to return to Roots Hall on a permanent basis.

“It definitely played a part,” confirmed Lopata.

“You want to go somewhere you’re wanted and respected.

“The manager, Darren (Currie) and Benno (Mark Bentley) all played a part, the chairman also and a lot of little things that led to this and I just thought it was right.”

Lopata made his first start since coming back on Tuesday but could not stop the Shrimpers suffering a 3-2 defeat.

And the defender, who had to be taken off in the second half, remains disappointed.

“It was a frustrating one and we’re all disappointed,” said Lopata.

“I’m disappointed I had to come off with a bad cramp.

“But the manager knew something like that might happen as I hadn’t played since June.

“They’ve been patient with me which I appreciate but it was disappointing to lose two goals to 10 men.

“I was lost for words when I came off and we need to get together as a group in those moments and grow a pair.

“We need to kill the game off and grab it by the scruff of the neck.”

The defeat pushed Blues down to 14th in the National League standings.

But Lopata is certain things will soon start to improve.

“I think it will be similar to last season when there will be a moment where everything just clicks,” said the defender.

“I really believe that and when it does then I’m sure we will do well.”

The Shrimpers will now be looking to get back to winning ways against second placed Wrexham tomorrow.

And Lopata insists he is fit enough to feature.

“I’m available for selection and these are the games you want to play in,” said the defender.

“They’re towards the top but I think I’m a winner and I’d like to think I have a winner’s mentality.

“Bigger challenges bring bigger rewards and you roll your sleeves up and you dig in.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day and things take time.

“But I’m sure we will give it a right good go.”

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