SOUTHEND United midfielder Jean-Paul Kalala is keen to get one over Bristol Rovers tomorrow.

But he does not feel he has a point to prove against his former side.

Kalala made 11 appearances for the Pirates at the end of last season.

And he is relishing facing his old team for the first time since his departure.

“It’s a game I’m really looking forward to and it will be nice to see some familiar faces again,” said Kalala.

“They were in turmoil when I was there and, although it went well for me personally, the team were unable to stay up.

“The manager who signed me, Dave Penny, was then sacked and it was clear I wouldn’t be staying.

“Despite that, I don’t feel like I have anything to prove to them and the only people I want to prove a point to now are those at Southend.”

Kalala, who will face Oldham Athletic - another of his former teams - in the second round of the FA Cup next weekend, also hopes to be back in the team against Rovers.

The 29-year-old was on the bench for Tuesday night’s FA Cup win over Preston North End and is desperate to be back in the starting line-up.

“I was disappointed not to play in the week but that’s the way it goes sometimes,” said Kalala.

“The manager has chosen to rotate the team around with the number of games we have coming up.

“But it goes without saying I want to play this weekend.”

Goalkeeper Luke Daniels is a definite starter and he will also be lining up against his former side.

The 23-year-old played nine times while on loan at Rovers last season.

However, the shot-stopper did not enjoy his period with the Pirates.

“I’ve got nothing positive to say about my time there so haven’t got anything to say about it,” said Daniels.

“I just hope we can get another good result and I’ve been impressed with Southend since I came here.

“They are a very good side to be up there at the top and there’s a positive feel about the place.

“We have been able to grind out results when we haven’t played well, like against Oxford at home, and that’s going to be vital when you’re going for promotion.”