Greg Halford will probably endure the catcalls of the Southend support should he figure for Wolves tonight having enjoyed a successful spell with their Essex rivals Colchester.

 

But if so, it will come as music to the ears of a player who has returned for pre-season with fresh desire and determination to make a career for himself at Wolves.

 

Halford will just be happy enough to be out on the pitch again, buoyed by the promise of that pre-season and keen to push himself into the first team reckoning for the Barclays Premier League.

 

"I'm still fighting for a place here having lost it last year," Halford explains.

 

"And it's taken me six or seven months to get back where I am now.

 

"It's been slow progress but I'm still fighting for my place and loving coming into training every day.

 

"It was tough to lose my place after starting the first 13 games when I did have some mixed performances.

 

"It was the manager's decision to take me out and I respect that.

 

"I wasn't even making squads after I was left out but I've fought to get back and now I'm happy to be where I am.

 

Halford continued:  "I always expected to still be here though - I said at the end of last season I wasn't leaving.

 

"Some people might say I've run away from other clubs because I wasn't getting in the team but that was never the case.

 

"I've always wanted to stay at the clubs I've been at but it's just so happened that other clubs have come in and given me a better opportunity.

 

"I have been determined this pre-season  but I don't think I've changed all that much.

 

"I've made tweaks here and there in my personal life which I think has helped but I haven't changed as a player or as a person.

 

"These little tweaks have paid dividends.

 

"There are loads of people that have been helping me including Tony Daley, the fitness coach, all the nutritionists here and Bill Stevens, the sports therapist who has helped get my head right.

 

 

"And of course the manager and 'TC' as well - everyone has been great.

 

"Being in Birmingham feels like a second home to be honest - I love it here.

 

"I get on well with the other players and the coaching staff and it's a good place to be."

 

Southend tonight will be treated with as much focus and determination as any Premier League game should Halford get the nod.

 

He believes it has to be if he is to join fellow team-mates in pressing their claims for inclusion in the league.

 

And so, any jeers from the away contingent will be water off a duck's back.

 

"It's always nice to get involved in the cup competitions and would be great to have a good run," he says.

 

"We've had a great start in the league but this is a good competition and there's a trophy at the end of it.

 

"We take things one game at a time and hopefully we can take our league form into the cup and have a good run.

 

 

"I'm from that sort of area so no doubt I'll be getting some boos from the crowd.

 

I've played for Colchester which was their local derby!

 

"They're a good team and it's unfortunate they've had financial problems but they're a good team with a good manager.

 

"They'll be coming up here looking to put one over us and playing against a Premier League team will be like a cup final.

 

"We've got to stay focused and be prepared for it.

 

"I'm looking forward to the game and if I get a chance hopefully I will show my worth."

 

* For the full interview with Greg, tune in to Beacon Radio's Goal Zone from 7pm tonight.