SOUTHEND United new boy John Egan admits he is 'buzzing' to have teamed up with the Shrimpers.

The 21-year-old centre-back made his debut in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Wycombe Wanderers at Roots Hall after signing on loan from Sunderland.

And the Irishman is delighted to be back playing competitive senior football for the first time since November 2012.

“I was buzzing when I was first asked to come down to Southend as I hadn't played first team football in a while,” said Egan, who is with Blues for an initial month.

“Since September I’ve been playing under-21 football at Sunderland after recovering from a serious injury so it's great to be here playing.

“I’m really looking forward to the games and I just want to help the club move back up the table and rediscover their form after what has been a bit of a dip.

“Hopefully I can take this chance and I certainly haven't sensed any signs of the players being down “They all seem confident of getting back on a good run and hopefully that's exactly what is going to happen.”

But, following the Shrimpers' 1-1 draw with the Chairboys at the weekend, they have now not won in nine games.

And Egan is ready to get stuck in to help turn the team's fortunes around. “If I do have to get stuck in and roll up my sleeves I’m more than happy to do just that,” said the young defender.

“I’m no-nonsense in my approach, I like heading it and getting tackles in there too.

“I feel I bring a bit on the ball too and am more than happy to take the ball to feet and build up from the back and I hope to show that while I'm here to help the team pick up some good results and challenge for promotion.”