Revitalised Southend United striker Drewe Broughton is looking forward to the remaining months of the season after rediscovering his form in front of goal.

Bring on the bubbly - Drewe Broughton celebrates his man of the match award after scoring two goals in Southend's 4-0 win over QPR on Tuesday Picture: ROB BROWNE

The heavily-criticised 25-year-old netted twice in Tuesday's impressive 4-0 triumph over QPR and admitted he was always confident of turning his indifferent Shrimpers season around.

"I thought I'd show what I was all about after Christmas when I'd settled in the area," said Broughton, who has scored three goals in his last two games.

"I feel good now and I am enjoying my life on and off the pitch. I weathered the storm during the early part of the season when things weren't going right.

"It was hard being out of the side and being on the bench a lot, but now I'll be doing my best to keep the shirt."

And Broughton, a summer signing from Kidderminster Harriers, also revealed his confidence had been boosted by his recent revival.

"Many people remarked upon the fact that maybe me not scoring was down to confidence and to a degree it was," he said.

"In front of goal I think it was a confidence thing, but my all-round play was okay -- it was just settling in and dealing with the move to a new club."

But the tall target-man added he was now relishing playing a prominent role for the Roots Hall side and was hoping to add to his five-goal tally.

"I'm licking my lips looking ahead to the remaining matches," he said.

"There's 20-odd games to go and hopefully I'll be able to look back at the end of the season with a smile on my face."

More on Southend United FC

What are your views on Southend? Have your say on our Views on the Blues bulletin board.

Published Thursday January 22, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo