Crocked Southend United hitman Neil Tolson revealed today that he is still hopeful of pulling on his boots and leading Blues' firing-line again this season.

Tolson went under the surgeon's knife last week to clear up a groin and stomach problem which has been plaguing the ten-goal striker for most of this campaign.

But the 26-year-old dismissed talk that he was ruled out for the rest of the season and vowed to try and make a return before the end of the Seasiders' remaining 13 Third Division fixtures.

"I'm still feeling sore, but the operation went well and I'm already walking about," said Tolson, who had been playing through the pain barrier aided by anti-inflammatory tablets.

"I want to start jogging over the next few days and try to get myself back into the team within the next six to eight weeks, which would allow me to play again this season, we'll just have to wait and see what happens."

However, Tolson admitted that he would only pull on a Blues shirt again this campaign if he had fully recovered from his injury.

"I've got to be careful because I don't want to rush myself back and do even more damage," he added.

"My groin and stomach have been giving me problems ever since our 2-1 win at Macclesfield Town back in September when I had to hobble off the pitch. But I carried on battling through until our match against Hartlepool at Roots Hall a couple of weeks ago when

I felt something tear, which forced me off the field again, and this time I want it sorted out once and for all.

"If I have to wait until next season to play again then so be it, because I'd rather have a good pre-season under my belt, feel fully-fit and be firing on all cylinders."

But Tolson said he still expected to feel the after effects of his operation for at least the next six months.

"I've just had my stomach cut right open and I know I'm going to feel more than my fair share of twinges, but that's something I'm willing to put up with to cure my problems," he said.

However, another one of Blues' sidelined stars, 31-year-old loan-midfielder Nigel Pepper, is well on the road to recovery from a damaged ankle.

The Aberdeen schemer, who hasn't kicked a ball in anger since injuring himself during Southend's 2-1 home defeat against Rotherham United at the beginning of January, is on the verge of a recall.

"Nigel has resumed training and is looking very fit, but needs match practice to build up his sharpness," said Shrimpers boss Alan Little.

"He's very close to a first-team comeback and could be in contention for a place in the squad which travels to Brighton next week."

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