Goalscorer David Martin is determined to prove to boss Paul Sturrock he is worthy of being in his side.
The former Milwall winger was on target in Saturday’s 3-0 win against Rotherham United.
And following a pre-season chat with the Blues boss, Martin hopes he is finally starting to prove his worth.
“I had a conversation with the gaffer at the start of the season as I wasn’t quite there last year,” he told the official website.
“I said give me a chance this year and I’ll make sure I take it.
“I feel I am doing that now with an improved performance midweek and then today’s also.
“Hopefully I can take that into next week now.”
Martin headed home Southend’s third goal of the afternoon in the 72nd minute after good work from Britt Assombalonga.
It capped off a good afternoon for Martin who also created one of Assombalonga’s two goals against the Millers.
“I saw it coming into the back stick and I just followed the flight of the ball,” he recalled.
“I’m delighted to open my account as that is my first headed goal of my career.
“I’m happy with today as I got an assist and a goal and I am pleased with my all round performance.
“We definitely deserved the three points as we were the better team on the day and all in all it was a very solid team performance.”