Southend United defender Adam Barrett is desperate to start for the Shrimpers at his former club Bristol Rovers tonight.

Local hero - Adam Barrett is looking forward to putting one over his former Bristol Rovers team-mates now he is back at his home town club

The 24-year-old centre back quit the Pirates for Roots Hall during the summer but has failed to hold down a regular slot in Steve Tilson's side following the arrival of Spencer Prior.

"It's a massive match for me this evening and I want to be in the team," declared Barrett.

"I was dying to come back to Southend - my home town club - and it's been very, very frustrating for me so far."

Barrett made an impressive full debut for the lowly League Two strugglers during Tuesday's Carling Cup defeat at West Ham United and is hopeful of again being given the nod for tonight's tussle at the Memorial Stadium.

"I gave up being captain of Bristol Rovers - who are a very big team - to come to Southend and I came here to play football. I want to play games, it's as simple as that," he said.

Published Friday August 27, 2004

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