Injured Southend United winger Steven Clark is hoping to make a return to first team action tonight against Leyton Orient.

The 20-year-old tore the ligaments in his right knee at Halifax Town five weeks ago and has been working hard to regain his fitness ever since.

And the former West Ham flyer has pencilled in Blues' derby match at Leyton Orient tomorrow night for a possible comeback.

"I've put in a lot of rehabilitation work and I'm hoping to be back for the Orient game," said Clark yesterday.

"I'm desperate to get back and play as many matches as I can before the end of the season and help the rest of the lads.

"Over the last few weeks I've been doing a lot of hard running and strengthening exercises to toughen up my knees so I don't have the same problems again."

Blues boss Rob Newman paid the Hammers £50,000 for Clark in January, following a two-month loan spell which was hampered by injury.

The youngster has only managed two appearances for the Shrimpers since signing permanently, but he is desperate to make the grade for his new manager.

"The gaffer showed a lot of faith by spending £50,000 to bring me to Southend and I want to pay him back for that," added Clark.

"Every time I see the boss I tell him that I'm desperate to get back in the team and help him win some games, which I hope will come true soon.

"Joining Southend is the best thing that has happened to me and all I want is to get fit and do my bit to push the club back up the League table."

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Published Tuesday, March 12, 2002