JEAN Francois-Christophe is ready to shoot down Chelsea after completing a permanent move to Southend United.

The French midfielder and his Shrimpers team-mates spent yesterday paint-balling in a bid to maintain their morale ahead of this Saturday’s FA Cup clash at Stamford Bridge.

And, despite not having figured in the first team since late November, Christophe is sure he is sharp enough to start against Phil Scolari’s side.

“I have been working hard while I haven’t been able to play and have been doing plenty of cardio work with the physio, John Stannard,” confirmed Christophe who has signed a two and a half year deal.

“I’ve been running with and without the ball and if the manager needs me to start then I’m ready to do that.”

Christophe made 17 appearances during his three months on loan with the Shrimpers but that stint could not be made permanent until the transfer window reopened in January.

The move will therefore be officially confirmed tomorrow but Christophe has now also recovered from the hamstring strain he suffered in the 3-1 triumph over Luton Town in the previous round of the competition.

And he now has his sights set on Chelsea.

“I’m pleased to be able to play again for Southend and it’s a very big game to be coming back for,” said Christophe.

“I saw Chelsea’s game against Fulham at the weekend and they looked very good. I also saw them play Portsmouth at the start of the season and win 4-0 so I certainly know how talented they all are.”

However, Christophe will not be overawed at taking on a team who are currently second in the Premier League standings.

“You know who you are going to be facing and you have to be ready,” he confirmed.

“They have world class players and in my position it could be Frank Lampard, Deco or John Obi Mikel we’re up against but that’s a great challenge for us.

“They are superb but at the end of the day it’s still man against man. They have two hands and two feet just like the rest of us and we want to go there and give them a game.

“We are excited about it and have nothing to lose because they are big favourites.”

But Christophe is already looking beyond the Chelsea clash and wants to play an part in securing league success too.

“The results haven’t been the best for the team just lately,” he said.

“We want to get back to winning not losing and I want to help with that.”