CONNOR Clifford hopes his match winning heroics at Cheltenham Town can help him force his way back in to Southend United’s starting-line-up this weekend.

Clifford had harshly found himself among the substitutes for Blues’ last two games after making an impressive start to the season.

But the Irishman came off the bench at Cheltenham to fire home the only goal of the game.

And the midfielder is now desperate to start again when the Shrimpers head to York City on Saturday.

“Hopefully I’ve done enough to play but it’s up to the manager whether or not I play,” said Cliffiord.

“I’ll work hard in training to try and impress and would love to get back in the side.

“It’s been frustrating not playing but there’s big competition here and you have to be on your game every week or the manager will make changes.

“You have to take every chance you get to impress and that’s what I’m trying to do now.”

Clifford was handed an early opportunity to do well at Whaddon Road after Ryan Leonard limped off injured 10 minutes before the break.

And he grabbed the opportunity with both hands by firing home a low range shot which was far more accurate than his efforts in training the day before.

“I always stay behind to work on my shooting but on Monday I was losing a few balls in the trees behind the goal,” said Clifford.

“Coming up through the youth teams I’ve scored a few goals from distance though and luckily enough this one went in and we were able to win the game.”

Prior to Clifford’s goal the former Chelsea trainee had also been involved in the incident which led to Cheltenham midfielder Jason Taylor being sent off.

Taylor appeared to elbow Clifford when the pair tangled on the floor.

And Clifford insisted there could be no complaints about the decision.

“He hit me a few times with his elbow and it was like something out of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Challenge) so it was a definite red card,” said the 22-year-old.

“After that I think we should have gone on to win by more. With the chances we had we should have scored four of five.

“But hopefully we can get a couple more when we go to York for another big game on Saturday.”