Adam Bouzid and Bilel Mohsni are keen to make up for lost time after finally completing their transfers to Southend United.

The duo were both forced to sit out Blues' first three matches of the season as they waited for international clearance.

But that has now been granted and they will be back in contention for Saturday's showdown with Port Vale.

"It had been frustrating having to wait and not being able to play, especially as there was nothing we could do about it but it's great that everything has now been sorted," said Bouzid, a 22-year-old midfielder.

"I enjoyed playing in pre-season and was looking forward to the league starting too.

"We didn't think it would take this long to be completed and it was hard because it wasn't like we were injured or anything like that but at least now we can play again.

"We obviously want to do well too because we're both very excited to be playing in England and being with Southend."

Bouzid, who grew up in France but is of Algerian roots, was with Mouloudia Club Ouja in Morocco last season.

And he is now thrilled to be at Roots Hall, alongside Mohsni - a French Tunisian.

The towering 22-year-old centre-back caught the eye with his commanding and passionate performances during pre-season and he now aims to also impress in League Two.

"I've always wanted to play in England and I'm so happy it's all been sorted out now," said Mohsni, who was with Sainte Genevieve Sports in the French CFA-2 Division last term.

"I'm looking forward to playing in front of bigger crowds and English football is also quite rough, which I like.

"I can't wait to hopefully start playing in some games now and doing well for Southend."