Kevin Maher has staked his claim for a place in Southend United's quickly-disintegrating midfield.

Blues' loan star Nigel Pepper, signed from Aberdeen to beef-up the Shrimpers' options in the centre of the park, has picked up an ankle injury that will keep him sidelined for at least a month.

And 23-year-old Maher believes now is the time for him to take advantage of his colleague's misfortune by proving his worth to the Third Division club's boss Alan Little in the First-team.

"All I want to do is play for Southend and help them win points and I hope the manager will give me my chance at Barnet on Saturday," said the transfer-listed midfielder on Thursday.

"I came back into the team at York City just before Christmas and was pleased with my overall performance, but I've failed to make the starting line-up for the past three games which has been very frustrating.

"I've been a substitute, but what I really want is to prove my worth over 90 minutes."

Maher joined the Seasiders from Premier League Spurs on a free transfer during January 1998, with the arduous task of filling Blues' £500,000 record signing Mike Marsh's boots, following the crocked ex-Liverpool star's enforced retirement.

The youngster, who moved to Roots Hall without a league appearance to his name, showed tremendous potential during a campaign of struggle, which culminated in Southend losing their Second Division status.

But last season was a disappointing one for Maher, who found it hard climatising to Third Division soccer and became public enemy number one for Roots Hall's terrace boo-boys - a tag he believes he can only lose by playing league football.

"I'm the first person to admit I didn't play well at times last season, but I know I can play better," said Maher, who has only started two league matches this term.

"People seem to forget that last year was my first full league campaign and I found the drop into the basement division hard because it's more kick and rush than the level above.

"My style of play concentrates on passing, but you don't get so much of that down here, although I felt I did fairly well going forward, scoring five goals, something our midfielders have found hard to do this season.

"But the fans did get on my back, which they are entitled to do because they have paid their money through the turnstiles, and all I want is another chance to win them over."

Maher is desperate to play a key role in helping turn round Southend's recently flagging fortunes, following a string of sterling displays for the reserves, and hopefully win a new contract at Roots Hall.

"I'd love to stay with Southend and if I get back in the team I'll be doing my best to make sure the manager wants to keep me here," he concluded.

Southend were in reserve team action against Ipswich Town at Roots Hall on Thursday afternoon in the Avon Insurance Combination League Cup.

First team bid - Kevin Maher

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