Southend United midfielder Jay Smith today declared he would return from his latest injury setback stronger than ever.

The attacking youngster is currently sidelined with a ruptured Achilles, but is determined to fight his way back to full fitness and reclaim a regular starting slot with the Shrimpers.

"When the injury first happened it was pretty hard to take," said the 23-year-old, who has already been ruled out for the rest of the current season.

"I couldn't believe I'd done something so serious yet again, but I will work as hard as I can to get back.

"I've already had an operation which everyone says has gone well and when I'm fit again I will be a lot stronger for having come through all of this."