JOSH Walker is keen to kick on after scoring his first Southend United goal.

The Shrimpers striker netted on his return from a hamstring injury after coming off the bench in tonight’s 1-1 draw at Wealdstone.

But Walker insists he is ready to kick on.

“I’m definitely ready to play longer,” said Walker.

“I’ve only trained once since the injury and that was on Monday so that’s why I didn’t play long.

“But I’ll get some more training sessions in, rest and be ready to go again on Saturday.”

Walker, who had been out since mid-August with a hamstring issue, played the final 10 minutes at Grosvenor Vale.

But his late leveller, which came just moments after Callum McFarlane had put Wealdstone in front, left him suffering mixed emotions.

“It was great to get on the score-sheet but it would’ve been better if we won,” said Walker.

“It was brilliant from the players to fight back though.

“It was a bit sloppy defensively to go behind but we showed great character to come back and get the draw.”

Walker made sure of the point for the Shrimpers after converting a right wing cross from Gus Scott-Morriss.

But the forward was surprised the ball made it to him.

“I saw Gus get on the ball and I know he’s been scoring recently,” said Walker.

“I tried to get on the end of it but I didn’t think it was going to get to me.

“It came off my chest and luckily I was in the right place.”

And Walker is pleased to be back in action after five weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.

“It was very frustrating,” said Walker.

“It was in training and I wasn’t even sprinting.

“I was just stretching for a tackle but these things happen.

“I’m grateful to be back and scoring a goal makes it even better.

“My job is to score goals so I’m happy.”