England under-21 goalkeeper Rhys Evans confirmed today he was unlikely to be pulling on his gloves for Southend United next season.

He played for the Three Lions' youngsters in Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Slovakia at Sunderland's Stadium of Light in the Euro 2004 qualifiers.

And the shot-stopper, available on a free transfer after being dumped by Premiership club Chelsea, admitted he had set his sights higher than Third Division Blues.

"I don't want to sound disrespectful as I was flattered by Southend's interest but I want to try and play higher," said 21-year-old Evans.

"Playing for the England U21s has opened a lot of doors for me and I have had calls from both a Premiership and First Division clubs.

"I owe it to myself to try and get a club at that level and keep myself in the international reckoning.

"But I'll always be grateful to Southend and if I can do anything to help them in the future I will."

Shrimpers chief Wignall added: "I wish Rhys well as he is a nice lad and I hope he finds what he is looking for.

"But I haven't put all my eggs in one basket and I'll be meeting another goalkeeper who is with a First Division club on Monday."

Published Friday, June 13, 2003

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