ADAM Thompson hopes to keep his place in Southend United’s starting line-up for what he believes will be one of their toughest games of the season at Chesterfield on Saturday.

The on-loan Watford defender replaced the injured Mark Phillips for last weekend’s 2-0 triumph against Northampton Town.

And he is now eager to stay in the starting line up to take on the Spireites.

“Obviously Mark’s injury gave me a chance to show the manager and the fans what I can do, and hopefully I did that against Northampton,” said Thompson, 20.

“It was a very physical game so I just hope the manager was impressed and can see I’m up to the tough challenge that is ahead in this league this season.

“The game at Chesterfield will probably be one of the toughest games of the season because they will be right up there in April, and of course it’s away from home too.

“But I fancy us to get something from the game and build on the really good start we’ve had to the season and I would love to be involved.”

Phillips is still receiving treatment on his injury and will face another late fitness test ahead of the Chesterfield clash.

However, his misfortune handed Thompson a chance against the Cobblers.

And that came at the end of a memorable week for the young defender, who scored for and captained Northern Ireland’s under 21s in a 4-1 defeat against Denmark just a few days before his full Shrimpers debut.

“It was a really good week for me and I was really happy to get a goal for the national team, despite the defeat, and then to start on Saturday was brilliant,” said Thompson.

“Hopefully I can get a few goals for Southend now as well as I’ve got a few in the past.”