BILLERICAY Town vice-captain George Beavan says he is desperate to be involved when East Thurrock United visit New Lodge tomorrow.

Beavan, 25, is one of the linchpins of Craig Edwards’ side, often lauded for his work in defence and his commitment to the cause.

The centre-half has been missing since Town claimed an admirable 2-2 draw at Kingstonian at the start of the month, after injuring his ankle ligaments in that match.

Billericay have won one, drawn one and lost one in his absence but Beavan says he will do everything he can to line up against East Thurrock.

“I badly want to play,” he said. “I like to leave everything on the pitch and watching from the side lines kills me. I kick and head every ball so I will do everything I can to be fit.

“We have already played East Thurrock this season and it was a really good game. We got the late equaliser and I even scored. I had my scoring boots on at the start of the season and had two goals in three games but things have dried up since then.

“But getting back into the team and getting a goal would be great!”

Beavan was named vice-captain at the start of the season, as one of just four players still at the club from the previous season.

And, if fit enough to play, he will come face to face with two of the in-form strikers in the Ryman Premier League.

Sam Higgins and Lewis Smith have netted 27 times between them so far this season, with the former on target seven times already this month.

“Sam Higgins scores bundles of goals every season and is one of the best, if not the best, in the league in his position so we know all about the threat he will pose and the same can be said of Smith.

“So whoever plays will need to be on top of their game. Whether that is me or Joe (Ellul) or Cliff (Akurang) we have some good options and that is good for the manager and the group as well.”

However, Ellul, has also been in and out of the side with injuries, with young centre-half Alex Stephenson struggling in recent weeks with a knock.

Ellul is likely to start this weekend, and Beavan has been full of praise for the way he has settled into the club.

“Joe is a great lad and has done well for us,” he said. “He, like myself, has suffered with injuries in the early weeks of the season but I think we can form a really strong partnership when we both get a run in the team.

“Hopefully that can start this weekend against East Thurrock.”

Edwards confirm Billericay have no injury news to report ahead of the game, while Rocks boss John Coventry welcomes back Rickie Hayles, following his six-match suspension. Kris Newby and Kye Ruel are long-term absentees for the visitors.