CRAIG EDWARDS is confident returning striker Alex Osborn can fire Billericay Town to safety.
The Dagenham & Redbridge forward, 19, is back at New Lodge on loan after a ten week injury lay-off.
He had scored four competitive goals before picking up a knock training with the npower League Two side.
He scored in Saturday's specially arranged friendly at Ebbsfleet United which Town went on to lose 2-1 and Edwards is delighted to have him back.
"He's been fantastic for us," said the manager. "My teams have got a way of playing and Alex is key to that, [midfielder] Paul Semukula is also another important piece of the puzzle as are the two full-backs."
Osborn's return comes at a good time with forwards Charlie Taylor and Jo Benjamin both suspended after red cards.
After their last two matches against Sutton United and Havant & Waterlooville were postponed due to the weather The Blues find themselves just one place above the drop zone.
Conversely they're only nine points outside the Blue Square Bet South play-off places and Edwards is bullish about their chances of survival.
"We're confident that we've got enough to stay in the division and that's the sole goal of this year," he said.
This week Edwards has also added former Histon and Waltham Forest defender Anton Douglas to his squad .
"He can play centre half or left back," said Edwards.
"He did very, very well on Saturday when he came on in the second half and looks a real prospect."
Last night (Tuesday) Billericay were due to host Eastbourne Borough and entertain Boreham Wood on Saturday before the big derby at Chelmsford City on Monday night.
Craig Edwards junior has got a dead leg and was set to miss out last night while forward Marc Charles-Smith has gone AWOL after breaking his arm earlier in the season.
"I haven't spoken to him since before Christmas," the manager revealed. "You expect players to show a bit of commitment whether they're injured or not but I've chased and chased and chased him and I can't be bothered anymore."
Former Chelmsford City goalkeeper Alex Rossis is currently on trial with a view to acting as cover for number one Sam Beasant.
With several games called off Edwards is concerned the training facilities at the club could cost his team on the pitch.
"Because we've got a lack of training facilities whenever there's a long break we've suffered for it and I'm just hoping that's not the case this time," he said. "We've tried to use other facilities but there's just nothing available."
