SOUTHEND United striker Neil Harris rates himself as 50/50 to return against his former Gillingham side tonight.

Harris, who has missed Blues’ last two games with a groin problem, faces a late fitness test ahead of this evening’s clash at Roots Hall.

But he is desperate to be involved.

“My injury has responded well to treatment and hopefully I’ll be able to play tonight,” said Harris.

“I would probably say I’m 50/50 at the moment but I’m really keen to get out there again and not just because it’s my old team we’re playing “I want to be able to help the rest of the lads and there’s also something extra special about the evening matches at Roots Hall.”

However, Harris has not trained since suffering the injury during the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy clash against Crawley Town at the end of August.

And he will be sensible about the final decision he makes.

“You have to be careful about these things and there’s a fine line between playing when you’re really ready to play and when you’re not,” said Harris, 34.

“I’ve played in the past when I haven’t really been fit and I think most footballers probably have.

“However, you have to be sensible and not come back too soon or you will risk an even longer lay-off.”

Harris will therefore only return to action tonight if he is ready to play.

But he would love to figure against Gillingham, who he spent the 2005/06 season on loan with from Nottingham Forest.

“I had a great few months there,” said Harris.

“There are a lot of cracking people at the club and Andy Frampton and Matt Lawrence are among my best friends in the game.

“It would be brilliant to play against them and to also help us get a good result after losing at Swindon on Saturday.”

FULL STORY IN TUESDAY'S ECHO