SOUTHEND United winger Jermaine McGlashan insists he will be going back to basics in a bid to become a major force in the Shrimpers side.

The 29-year-old had a hand in three of Blues’ four goals in Tuesday night’s 4-0 win at Bishop’s Stortford on Tuesday night.

And McGlashan now wants his productive performance to be a sign of things to come.

“It’s important for the wingers to play a part and it’s important I keep on doing more of that,” said McGlashan.

“I want to tidy up my game and use my pace more.

“Full-backs don’t enjoy that side of things and I shouldn’t disappoint.

“I should be doing more of that and getting the ball in early.

“That’s why I was happy with the assists on Tuesday because that’s what I did and it was old school wing play.

“I want to be doing that consistently now though because it was nice to get those assists.

“It was nice to be involved in three of the goals and my fitness levels felt good too.”

McGlashan joined the Shrimpers at the start of last season but struggled to hold down a regular slot in the starting line-up.

The speedy winger made 14 starts during the campaign and made 24 appearances from the bench, more than any other player in the Blues squad.

McGlashan is now keen to secure more starts next season but faces extra competition for a place out wide following the arrival of Michael Kightly.

However, McGlashan believes the signing of the former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley wide-man will also help him to become a better player.

“Michael Kightly has played at a good level and I can learn from him even at my age,” said McGlashan.

“He has good movement but he’s slightly different to myself.

“He comes into the pockets of space and it’s a good signing for us.

“But I think it’s healthy to have competition for places and it will bring the best out of me.

“It was why we finished so strongly last season and it’s important to keep that going.

“We need to have people pushing each other to get into the team and we’ve got that.

“But right now I’m just thinking about getting in the best shape possible and making sure I have a good pre-season.”

McGlashan’s next chance to impress will come this weekend when Blues visit Ebbsfleet United.