STEPHEN McLaughlin is determined to shine when Southend United visit Shrewsbury Town tonight.

The Irishman was disappointed with his display after coming on as a second half substitute at Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

And he is now desperate to get back to his best this evening.

“I was very disappointed with myself on Saturday and when I came on it just wasn’t good enough so I have a point to prove myself now,” said McLaughlin who is favourite to replace the injured Michael Kightly in the starting line-up.

“I want to put it right when I next get a chance.

“True I got an assist but it counted for very little and if I get another chance tonight then I’m going to make sure I take it.”

McLaughlin has yet to start a League game for the Shrimpers this season. But the Irishman - who suffered an ankle problem in pre-season - insists he can have no complaints about being out of the side.

“The boys have been doing well so I can’t complain,” said McLaughlin.

“Kights (Michael Kightly) has been playing well and scored goals and Glash (Jermaine McGlashan) has got a few assists so I’m going to have to be patient, “Of course you want to be playing, everyone does and after playing most of the games last year it’s been difficult to sit and watch the first few games.

“But I feel good fitness wise now, I’m raring to go and just waiting for that chance.”

McLaughlin’s opportunity could come tonight against the table-topping Shrews. And the 27-year-old feels Blues are not far away from clicking into gear despite having gone seven games without a win.

“We’re not far away from it taking off and when it starts to click we will give a team a lumping,” said McLaughlin.

“Things aren’t quite going our way at the moment but it will soon change.”

Marc-Antoine Fortune is also expected to return to the starting line-up in place of Nile Ranger tonight while boss Phil Brown hinted Jason Demetriou could also return but not at the expense of Elvis Bwomono who has impressed in the last three games.