SOUTHEND United centre back Andy Edwards is hoping to keep his place in the Shrimpers side for tomorrow's clash with Rushden and Diamonds.

The experienced defender re-joined Blues during the summer from the Nene Park club but now faces stiff competition from fit-again Spencer Prior at the heart of the Seasiders rearguard.

"Hopefully I will be given the nod because it would be nice to play against my old side," said the former Birmingham City man.

"Chances like that don't come around too often and I have really enjoyed being back in the team lately."

The 33-year-old has returned to the starting line-up for their last two games after a frustrating spell out of favour. And Edwards added the prolonged period on the bench had been difficult.

"It was hard during that time and obviously not very enjoyable for me either," he said.

"I played the odd game in the LDV but I think I went about three months without starting a match in the League and that was difficult to take.

"I didn't think I had played that badly before I got dropped either so it's certainly made getting my place back even sweeter."