SOUTHEND United’s play-off hero Joe Pigott admits it will be strange to line-up against the Shrimpers for Charlton Athletic tonight.

Pigott, who memorably bagged a late equaliser for Blues in the play-off final success against Wycombe Wanderers in May, has been included in the Addicks squad for this evening’s pre-season friendly at Roots Hall.

And the 21-year-old striker is bracing himself for an unusual clash against Phil Brown’s side.

“It’s going to be a bit strange and a little bit weird to come back to the club as an opposition player and play against Southend,” said Pigott.

“My loan spell at Southend was a little bit up and down but it ended in the best way possible so I’m looking forward to coming back.

“It will be great to see everyone again and I think it should be quite a good game too.”

Pigott bagged seven goals for the Shrimpers in 23 games during a five month loan stint at Roots Hall.

And he is now keen to show Charlton chief Guy Luzon what he can do.

“I’ve been involved in a few of the friendlies and hopefully now I can get even more minutes under my belt,” said Pigott, who came through the youth ranks at the Valley.

“I’m in the squad for the game tonight as well and will be looking forward to doing well.

“I haven’t really spoken to any of the Southend lads about the game other than Myles Weston really but it will be interesting to come up against them all and to see the fans who were always good towards me too.”

However, if Blues boss Phil Brown gets his way, Pigott will be back at Roots Hall on a regular basis this season.

Brown is keen to sign the striker on a permanent basis and had a bid for him turned down last week.

But Pigott insists he is in no panic to finalise his future.

“I’ll see how it goes in pre-season but there’s no need to rush anything,” he added.