SONNY Gay is set to switch to the wing when Southend Rugby Club host Shelford tomorrow.

But the 20-year-old is not relishing his new role in the team.

Gay has figured at centre so far this season but will be pushed out wide as the Seasiders look to keep alive their push for promotion with another win at Warners Bridge.

“I did play on the wing when I was younger but I’m not really that keen on it to be honest,” said Gay.

“I’m obviously looking forward to the game and will give it my best shot but the thought of playing there isn’t that appealing to me.”

Fourth placed Southend go in to the match on the back of a 27-0 defeat at table-topping Ealing.

That sent them 15 points behind their West London rivals and Gay is therefore keen to bounce back to winning ways.

“There was no way we deserved to lose 27-0 last week but that’s gone now and we just have to make sure we get the victory we need and want this weekend,” said Cleare.

“There are still a lot of games to go but we can’t look too far ahead so we’re focused on getting a win tomorrow.

“It looks hard because the top two don’t look like slipping up but we have to do the best we can and be ready to make the most of any slip ups they might make.

Southend will also be confident of their chances as Shelford have lost seven of their last eight matches and are currently 13th in the National Two South table.

The Seasiders also beat them 44-32 in mid-September and Gay wants more of the same this weekend.

“It was a high scoring game against them before and we want to be scoring just as many points this time as well,” said Gay.

“We wouldn’t really want to be giving quite so many away but winning is all that matters tomorrow.”

Head coach Andy Holloway echoed those sentiments and is sure Gay can make a good impression on the wing.

“Sonny has all the skills you need to do well out there,” stressed Holloway.

“It also means him, Mike Stanley and Chris Vaughan, who have all been playing well, can be in the starting line-up.”

Southend will be without winger Danny Cleare (knee) but back row Sean Vine is set to return to the team.

Tomorrow’s fixtures: Canterbury v Old Albanians, Lydney v Clifton, Worthing v Hinckley, Dings Crusaders v Jersey, Ealing Trailfinders v Taunton, Henley v Westcombe Park, Richmond v Newbury Blues, Southend v Shelford