SOUTHEND United’s youth team chief Ricky Duncan was buoyed by seeing six of his academy graduates in the Shrimpers’ first team squad against Blackpool on Saturday.

Duncan was disappointed to see his under 18 side beaten 1-0 at AFC Wimbledon at the weekend.

But his mood was immediately improved by the number of young players being called up by first team manager Phil Brown.

“On the bus after the game I spoke to all the coaches about the number of players we were know going to see in the first team squad and that’s what matters most,” said Duncan.

“It was 30 per cent of the squad at the weekend but our aim is to improve to 50 per cent long term and then to get 50 per cent of the team on the pitch as well.

“It’s all well and good winning games but if we had won at Wimbledon and then had nobody in the squad then what’s the point. “ Daniel Bentley, Jack Payne, Ted Smith, Jason Williams, Joe Bedford and Jack Bridge were all included in Blues’ 20 match squad for the 1-0 win against Blackpool.

And Duncan believes their inclusion will help the Shrimpers to attract more young players.

“It’s good news all round really and will help us when we look to bring people to the club,” said Duncan.

“It was great for Joe to be called up for the first time and it shows the other players here that there’s a chance of doing the same.

“It gives Joe a pick me up and we want to see how he reacts now.

Does he think he’s made it?

“That’s the test but it’s one he will rise too. It’s massive and it’s great for the whole academy because he’s been here since he was about nine.”

But, without Bedford in the midfield, Blues’ under 18 side were seen off 1-0 at Wimbledon.

Alfie Egan bagged the only goal of the game after just five minutes.

And the young Shrimpers will now be bidding to bounce back in their FA Youth Cup second round clash at Newport County tomorrow night.

Southend United: Bexon, Ripsher, Bwomono, Clifford, Mackenzie, Salami, Dias (Matthews 77), Musselwhite, Wabo, Gard (Walker 56), Phillips.

Subs not used: Seadon & Hirst