Sanchez happy to swap Emirates Stadium for Roots Hall (From Echo)

Sanchez happy to swap Emirates Stadium for Roots Hall

NOT too many players would be pleased to swap the Emirates Stadium for Roots Hall – but Southend United new boy Sanchez Watt is definitely among the minority.

The 18-year-old left winger will spend at least the next month with the Shrimpers from Arsenal.

And Watt feels it is exactly what he needs to improve and progress his game.

"This is a big step in my career,” said Watt.

“I chose to do this, I didn't get told to go. I made my own decision and hopefully it will make me stronger and a better player."

"I want to get a lot of minutes under my belt here and get fit.

“At Arsenal there are a lot of good facilities but it is good to get out and see what it is really like and prove yourself in a team.”

Watt has played three times for Arsenal in the Carling Cup and also scored in the competition against West Bromwich Albion earlier on this season.

He now hopes for more highs while with Blues but knows he is in for some tough tests as Steve Tilson’s side face a run of tough looking fixtures against teams towards the top of the League One table.

"We have six hard games coming but I’m looking forward to them all,” said Watt "We have five games in February, which is a lot, so I think Southend needed to get some players in.

"Hopefully I will start against Colchester United on Monday night and give a performance and help the team win.

"We aren't high in the table and it's tight so getting three points will be like getting nine.”

Watt has previously played with Southend’s on loan left back Scott Malone for England under 19s and he already feels at home at Roots Hall.

"I have only been here for a few of hours and it already feels like I have been here for years,” said Watt.

“Everyone has made me feel like a family already and I have only been here for a day.

"The boys are all good and the standard is a lot better than I thought.

“Southend have some strong players and I think we should do well.”