EAST Thurrock United attacker Reece Harris says he is more than happy to fill the void left by Sam Higgins as their National League South journey begins tomorrow.

Rocks will play their first ever game at the level against Hungerford Town, also a newly-promoted side, and Harris is expected to play a key role.

The 25-year-old winger re-joined the club from Welling over the summer, having built up several years of National League experience.

And the versatile Harris, who scored four goals in pre-season says he will step up if asked by manager John Coventry, with star striker Higgins ruled out for the next six weeks with a hamstring injury.

“We all need to chip in while Higgo is out,” he said. “I haven’t spoken to Covo about it but he knows I can play there, but so can Wraighty (Tom Wraight) and we have Joe Gardner and James Walker as well so there are options.

“I played centre-midfield on Saturday but I just want to play so will play wherever I am needed.

“We played Hungerford Town in the FA Trophy a few years ago and won after a replay. Higgo scored four in that game so they will be thankful that he won’t be playing this time.

“We have tinkered with the formation a bit in recent games but we want to score goals. There are so many goals in this team and we are confident in ourselves.”

Harris is one of a number of players to have played at National League level before, along with fellow new recruits Lee Burns and Gardner.

But the winger says the mood in the camp is far from nervous, and says the club’s talented youngsters are champing at the bit to show what they can do.

“Everyone is aware of how difficult it will be whether they have played at this level or not,” he said. “But we are in a good place and those that haven’t are excited to perform and show their capabilities.

“We have a young squad and want to show what we can do.”

As this fixture is between two newly-promoted teams, much has been made about the significance of the result, and the importance of starting well against a side who may be similarly matched.

Harris says a number of people have spoken to him about that, and says he believes it will be an attacking game.

“This game could be seen as a marker for both teams,” he added. “Some people think it might be a good game to start but it is always a tricky one. Both teams may see it favourably, both teams will want to win but you have to be cautious as well as it is just one game.

“Personally, I am very excited to get back out there and play league football. I think pre-season has gone quickly and we are all excited.

“I am pleased with the level I have been playing at, although I haven’t completed 90 minutes yet, but that is no concern,

“It is not an easy game, that’s for sure, but we will be ready for it.”

National League South fixtures (kick-off 3pm unless stated): Bishop’s Stortford v Hampton & Richmond Borough, Dartford v Wealdstone, Eastbourne Borough v Hemel Hempstead Town, Ebbsfleet United v Poole Town, Maidenhead United v Gosport Borough, Margate v Bath City, Oxford City v Welling United, St Albans City v Concord Rangers, Truro City v Chelmsford City, Weston-Super-Mare v Whitehawk