ON LOAN Solihull Moors goalkeeper Nick Hayes admits it will be strange facing Southend United tonight.

Hayes made five appearances while with the Shrimpers from Ipswich Town earlier this season.

And the 24-year-old will find it weird playing against Kevin Maher's side.

"I think it will feel odd," said Hayes.

"One of my games for Southend was against Solihull so it will be strange but we're all professional.

"It's another game at the end of the day and we need the points to try and secure a play-off spot.

"It will be strange but I'm really looking forward to it.

"I'm looking forward to seeing Collin (Andeng Ndi) in action too because all the lads spoke really highly of him."

Hayes filled in for Andeng Ndi when the shot-stopper was sidelined with an ankle issue, keeping three clean sheets in his five games.

And Hayes remains grateful for the opportunities he was handed at Roots Hall.

"I really enjoyed the games and I'm really thankful to the club, the manager and players for giving me the opportunity to get my first real professional games under my belt," said Hayes.

"The lads and the staff are great there.

"I picked up a lot of stuff from Dave Martin who is fantastic and I felt like I was pretty consistent for the whole time I was there.

" It was a shame I didn't play more games but that was out of my hands.

"Overall I really enjoyed it and it was unbelievable."

Hayes was unable to extend his loan spell with the Shrimpers due to club remaining in a transfer embargo.

That ultimately led to him joining Solihull on loan just before Christmas and he has also enjoyed being part of Andy Whing’s side.

“The lads, the staff, the manager and everyone here are so friendly they made it easy settle in, just like Southend,” said Hayes.

“I feel like I’ve been consistent and I just try to stay six or seven out of 10 every week.

“I’d like to think I’ve done that here but I want to keep that up and help keep us in those play-off places.”

Hayes has now made 18 appearances for the fourth placed Moors.

And he is expecting an entertaining clash tonight as Solihull aim to avenge the 5-0 defeat they suffered at Roots Hall back in October.

“Solihull had a bit of an off day last time but we’ve been performing well of late,” said Hayes.

“I know Southend will bring a lot to the game and I know they’ve had a couple of 0-0 draws.

“But hopefully Cards (Harry Cardwell) will bring his best and give me a bit of action which I look forward to.”

And Hayes is relishing lining up between the sticks so regularly.

“I’ve smashed my target out the park because at the start of the season my target was 10 games,” said Hayes.

“I’m nearly at 25 now and there’s still a way to go.

“Hopefully I can get to 30 and keep building.”

But Hayes has yet to think beyond the end of the season.

“I’m out of contract at the end of the season and whatever happens, happens,” said Hayes.

“If they (Ipswich) offer me something else then great but if they don’t then they’ve good these games under my belt.

“Anything can happen and I’ve not really thought about it to be honest because we’ve had so much going on here. “