MARK Phillips is keen to bring his injury nightmare to an end by forcing his way back in to the first team at Southend United.

The 28-year-old centre-back has figured just three times for Blues so far this season after suffering hamstring and hernia injuries.

But he is now back fit and is determined to prove his worth to manager Paul Sturrock after a frustrating six-month spell.

“I started the season playing but in training when we were doing some runs I suffered a hamstring problem which kept me out for three weeks, and it just got worse after that for me,” said the former Millwall and Brentford defender.

“I was getting fit again and playing in a couple reserve games when I felt a sharp pain in my groin which turned out to be a hernia.

“It was a bit of a surprise and I waited a couple of weeks with rehab on it. It didn’t improve and I tried to go through the pain barrier but just broke down again.

“I went to see a surgeon and had to wait a bit before an operation, but had that about four weeks ago now and it has done the trick.

“Hopefully now I’m over all these injuries and I can start showing Southend fans what I’m all about.”

Phillips returned to action for the reserves last week by playing 65 minutes against Chelmsford City in the Essex Senior Cup.

“It was great to play because it has been hugely frustrating for me since I signed here,” said Phillips. “I got 65 minutes and could have gone on but the physio didn’t want me to do any more.

“I’ve come through that without any problems, so I would like to put myself forward for first team selection now because I think I’m ready.”

FULL STORY IN TUESDAY'S ECHO