SOUTHEND United starlet Noor Husin has described York City as a ‘tough’ opponent for Saturday’s (3pm) Vanarama National League clash. 

Husin has become a handy member of Kevin Maher’s set-up at Roots Hall, making 16 appearances this season, including a full ninety minutes against York in the Minstermen’s 2-0 defeat to Southend back in October.

But with the midfielder recently finding form in a new central role at Southend, he remains aware that York could be a tough opponent for the Shrimpers, despite their off-the-field troubles damaging morale.

“They’ll be tough,” said Husin.

“We scored quite early when we went there and scored another one in the second half quite early as well to win 2-0.

“But they were a good team who gave us some problems that day so it will a tough test.”

Husin is no stranger to the York players, having featured alongside Maziar Kouhyar in the Afghanistan national team and becoming friends with the City winger.

Kouhyar will be unavailable for the fixture due to an abductor injury, but has recently signed a two-and-a-half year contract extension under first-team manager David Webb.

“I might give him a call but he won’t give much away,” said Husin.

“He’s injured at the moment so he won’t be playing but we speak quite a lot.

“He’s just signed a new contract and he’s happy,”

Southend manager Kevin Maher has also shown fighting talk ahead of the match, with a protest planned for Shrimpers supporters ahead of kick-off against their abysmal ownership.

“We’ll be prepared and we’re fully focused on Saturday,” Maher confirmed.

“I’m sure they will be too and maybe they’ll be looking to take advantage of the situation they think we’re in.

“But we’ll be ready come three o’clock.”