DAGENHAM and Redbridge midfielder Kevin Maher is fighting to be fit to face his former Southend United side tomorrow.

Maher, who made 455 appearances for Blues during a 10 year spell, has missed Daggers’ last two matches with an ankle ligament injury.

But he is desperate to return to action this weekend.

“I’d love to be able to play against Southend and hopefully I will be able to be involved in the game,” said Maher, 35.

“I’m aiming to train again today and, touch wood, I’ll get through that OK because I really want to play.

“Southend will always be a special club for me and they’re bringing a lot of fans to the game so it would be nice to play in front of them again.”

Maher has already faced this Blues this season after making his Daggers debut against them in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in October.

And he is full of praise for the job Paul Sturrock has done since taking charge of the club.

“When he first went in he hardly any players so he’s done a fantastic job,” said Sturrock.

“To go from that to where the club is now is brilliant and he seems to have built up a really strong squad too.

“Southend looked a good side when we played against them before and, in Ryan Hall, they have a very good player.

“But there are others who can hurt us as well who I obviously hope have an off day just this once when we play them this weekend.”

Despite that Maher will receive another rapturous reception from the Southend supporters.

However, like many of them, he is still confused and disappointed at how his lengthy spell at Roots Hall came to an end as he suddenly fell out of favour under the then Blues boss Steve Tilson.

“I’m not really 100 per cent sure what happened myself if I’m honest,” said Maher.

“I’ve heard one or two things since I left but after being there for 10 years I was disappointed with how it was handled.

“But other than that my spell with Southend was brilliant and I have some great memories of being there.”