SOUTHEND United’s Joe Pigott insists he is back brimming with confidence after his double strike against Crewe Alexandra.

Pigott, who had gone nine games without a goal, got himself back on track with a brace against the Railwaymen on Tuesday night.

And the on loan Charlton Athletic striker was quick to praise manager Phil Brown for sticking by him after a disappointing display against Scunthorpe United on Saturday.

“I didn’t expect to play if I’m honest so I’m thankful to the manager for picking me because getting the goals has made me feel confident again,” said Pigott.

“I had been letting things get on top of me a little bit if I’m honest and my confidence was pretty low, especially as I didn’t seem to even be getting many chances.

“But thankfully I was able to get a couple at Crewe and most important of all was the fact it gave us the three points.

“Now I want to build on this and continue to help the team pick up more victories by scoring more goals, starting with the game at Burton at the weekend.”

Pigott ended last season on loan with the Shrimpers and worked himself into Roots Hall folklore by scoring an injury time equaliser in the successful play-off final against Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley last May.

The 21-year-old returned to Blues for a second loan spell at the start of the season.

But he was still not left completely satisfied against Crewe.

“I should have had a hat-trick if I’m honest because I missed a bread and butter chance in the first half when I hit the crossbar,” said Pigott.

“However, I just kept working hard in the hope of another chance coming my way and it was great to put them away.”

Pigott’s second goal, which secured the victory, came when he headed home from close range after David Worrall’s effort had been deflected onto the crossbar by Ryan Leonard.

But, despite strong appeals from the home-side, Pigott remains certain of being onside.

“There was no way I was offside when I scored that one,” said Pigott.

“I did just double check by having a look at the linesman after it had gone in but I was 100 per cent certain I was onside and there was no way it should have been disallowed.”