Jean-Francois Christophe is confident he can retain his place in the side after he made his comeback in Southend's 1-1 draw with Chelsea.The midfielder, who made a permanent move from Portsmouth last week following a successful loan spell at Roots Hall, remains in positive mood after his first start since late November.

He told the club's official website: "I really enjoyed being back out there and playing again and it proved to be a good game and a good result.

"I haven't played for five weeks so it was a very hard game to get back in for.

"It was nice to get called straight back into the team by the manager.

"But I've worked hard every day in training to get fit and hopefully I can now stay in the team now."

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