SOUTHEND United new boys Glen Rea and Stephen McLaughlin are desperate to help the Shrimpers kick start their season at Coventry City tonight.

Blues head to the Ricoh Arena without a win in their first five matches of the season.

But centre-back Rea, who has signed on loan from Brighton until the start of January, is keen to get off to a successful start.

“I can’t wait for the game because I’m really keen to get going here,” said the 20-year-old.

“It’s obviously a tough one to start off with but I’m buzzing for it because I’m really happy to be with Southend.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity but I really want to do well for the club.

“I’m not just coming here to get some games, I want to help the club pick up victories and hopefully that can start with the Coventry game.”

Rea hopes to go straight into the starting line-up against the Sky Blues and already knows all about his new team-mates.

The youngster lined up for Brighton against the Shrimpers in the Capital One Cup earlier on in the season.

And, despite the Seagulls winning 1-0, Rea was suitably impressed by Phil Brown’s side.

“When we played Southend they played really well against us and that was a big factor in me wanting to come here,” said Rea.

“It’s a great club and, after coming up from League Two, their tails will be up too so I’m glad to be here for longer than just a month or so too.”

Rea will be joined in the squad by fellow Irishman McLaughlin, who has now returned to Roots Hall on a permanent basis.

The winger ended last season on loan with the Shrimpers from Nottingham Forest, scoring twice in nine games.

And he is now happy to be back at the club, signing a three year contract.

“It’s good to be here again and I’m pleased to have got it all done because it’s taken a few months,” said McLaughlin, 25.

“I always thought it would happen but there were a few bumps in the road.

“One time I was actually packing up to come down here but then the move didn’t happen.

“When it finally did it was out of the blue but things happen for a reason and I’m just glad to be back now.”

McLaughlin memorably scored a crucial goal for the Shrimpers in the second leg of their League Two play-off semi-final victory against Stevenage in May.

And he is now keen to continue from where he left off.

“I got a couple of goals and a few assists when I was here on loan and I would like to think I had a big part to play in the promotion we won,” said McLaughlin.

“It would be great to carry that on and being here before certainly helps.

“Phil Brown is a great manager and this move ticked all the boxes for me so now I want to help the club kick on again.”

And, despite having not yet figured this season, McLaughlin also feels fit enough to go straight into the action at Coventry.

“I’m ready to go,” said the winger.

“I keep myself in good nick, I’ve got a good pre-season behind me and I feel good.”