Southend midfielder Tommy Black is eager to make his competitive debut for the Shrimpers when the season finally gets under way.Black, signed by Steve Tilson following his release from Crystal Palace over the summer, pressed his claims for a starting berth against Leyton Orient with two goals in Southend's 4-3 pre-season friendly win over Chelmsford City on Monday.

"I'm as fit as I've ever been and I want to be in that starting line-up," he said.

"I've had two 90 minutes and scored four goals so I can't complain. The other 45-minute halves I've played I've come close as well, so it was a pleasing night all round."

Charlie MacDonald and Lee Bradbury, from the penalty spot, were also on target for the Shrimpers.

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