Alex Burns has revealed the heartbreak behind his decision to quit Southend United and return home to Scotland.

The 25-year-old striker signed a two-year contract with Blues during the summer after joining the Shrimpers on a free transfer from Dutch side Heracles under the Bosman ruling.

However, the former Motherwell star has found it impossible to settle in Southend, 450 miles away from his two-and-half-year-old son Nathan who still lives north of the border in Glasgow.

"I've asked for a transfer because I'm desperate to be nearer my son," explained Burns, who has made 27 league appearances for the Seasiders and scored five goals.

"When I joined Southend I didn't think I'd have a problem with travelling home to see Nathan at the weekends because Stansted airport is only 45 minutes away.

"But because of our busy schedule at Southend I haven't been able to get home as much as I would like and have decided that I need to be back in Scotland permanently."

Burns feels he needs to be closer to Nathan during his tender years so he can forge a strong father-son bond.

"Everytime I see Nathan he has changed in someway and I want to be there with him during the important early years of his life," he said yesterday.

"I want him to grow up knowing who his dad is and help him to learn to walk and talk."

However, Burns, who is being tracked by a host of Scottish Premier League sides, admitted that his decision to turn his back on Roots Hall was a tough one to make.

"I've enjoyed my brief taste of English football and I'd liked to have stayed here longer if it wasn't for my personal circumstances," he said.

"But I've decided to return home where I hope to play at the highest level again.".

"All of my football with Motherwell was spent in Scotland's top division and I even played against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Cup."

"I've got the confidence in my ability to play against the best sides in Scotland again and hopefully I'll get a move soon."

Meanwhile, a strong Southend line-up beat Norwich 3-1 in a practice match on Tuesday. Burns, Neil Campbell and Trevor Fitzpatrick were all on target.

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