NEW City signing Jermaine Anderson feels he can handle anything after coming back from two season-ending knee injuries.

The 22-year-old is aiming to go straight into the squad to face Southend at Valley Parade tomorrow after signing a deal for the rest of the season.

The former Peterborough midfielder is looking to string a run of games together after a loan spell at Doncaster where he only started once in the league.

Anderson is up for the challenge having survived serious cruciate injuries in successive years earlier in his career.

He told the T&A: “It’s not easy but you know what they say ‘what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.’

“That definitely made me a lot mentally tougher. There’s not really much that can bother me after having something like that.

“But I’ve come through the other end and I’m all good.

“It was three years ago now and I’ve been playing since. They are way behind and I’m fit and feeling sharp.”

Anderson provides another option for David Hopkin in central midfield, an area of the team that has been short since Jim O’Brien rejected a new deal to join Notts County.

Anderson added: “I played bits and pieces at Doncaster, although not as much as I would have liked. But it was still nice to be there and be part of it a bit.

“It’s exciting to be here now and I’m looking forward to it. The new gaffer told me to show people what I can do and bring some energy to the team – that’s what I’m there for.

“I’ve played at Valley Parade a few times for the away side and it’s a great ground. The home form is going to be very important for us and I can’t wait to get started.

“I’m here until the end of the season and then we’ll see where it goes from there. But I’m ready to do everything for the team.”

Hopkin is already eyeing his next signing as the transfer window hots up in its final two weeks.

Having secured Jack Payne earlier this week for almost twice the amount City were previously paying Huddersfield, that additional outlay from owner Stefan Rupp has not hampered his recruitment plans.

Hopkin said: “Stefan deserves great credit but it doesn’t impact on what we are trying to do.

“We’re trying to balance the squad. We’ve got a lot of players and a lot who are maybe not going to play.

“One or two have moved on and hopefully a few will maybe go out on loan or go permanently.

“These things will not dictate solely what happens. But in the same way, we need to make sure we don’t have a big squad and players that aren’t going to feature.

“I wanted to keep Jim. We made an offer for him to stay to the end of the season and we’d review it in the summer.

“But obviously he got the offer of a longer contract, probably on more money than he was on here.

“Some players will do what’s right for them and you can’t blame them.

“It was frustrating but he’s moved on and we’ve had to move on and try to get someone in who can replace him.”