CALLUM Kennedy has set his sights on becoming a key member of Jamie O’Hara’s new-look Billericay Town side after making his eagerly-awaited return from injury.

Kennedy made his first appearance in two-and-a-half months as he came off the bench in Town’s 1-1 National League South draw with Weymouth in midweek.

And the left-back was pleased to be back in action after recovering from a thigh injury.

Kennedy said: “It was really nice to be back on the pitch.

“It’s horrible being injured and you just want to be doing what you love to do.

“Obviously, a lot has gone on off the pitch in the time that I’ve been injured, but everything is feeling settled now.

“The lads have been playing good football and I’ve been excited.

“I’ve wanted to join in and see not only how it feels to play that style of football but also, for my own personal wellbeing, to be back out there and amongst it again.”

Kennedy was sidelined after featuring in four fixtures in the space of just nine days.

And the former AFC Wimbledon full-back worked around the clock to ensure he made a full recovery.

“Back when we had four games in nine days, I was fatigued,” admitted Kennedy.

“I probably should have taken it a bit easier than I did in training but being a bit competitive got the better of me and I ended up pulling my thigh.

“Since then I have been doing a lot of work on my own, while I’ve also been going to see physio Miles (Mitchell-Coop) privately.

“I’ve been staying on top of the injury and I’ve been trying to make sure that I not only make it better but come back stronger than ever.”

While Kennedy concedes it will still be a number of weeks before he is fully fit, the 29-year-old is pleased to be back in contention.

Having seen new owners come in and boss Harry Wheeler sacked since his lay-off, Kennedy is impressed with how player-manager O’Hara has taken to life in the hotseat.

“I like the fact that he has a very specific way that he wants to play,” added Kennedy.

“We’re a possession-based side now and like to have the ball.

“We’ve got pace in wide areas and that suits me as well.

“Jamie has been really good and how he has come in and implemented his style of play is quality.

“Hopefully we will get the results to back up the performances.”