SOUTHEND United’s supporters are being urged to play their part in bringing through the club’s next top young talent.

Five members of the first team squad for Saturday’s clash with Plymouth Argyle came through the youth ranks at Roots Hall.

And the Shrimpers’ academy manager Ricky Duncan is now hoping to develop more players, with the help of the newly revamped Blues Lottery.

“The Blues Lottery has been a god-send for us already this summer and it’s been of real benefit for us so it would be great to have even more people playing it,” said Duncan.

“Mick Maddocks has come on board to help us with it and it’s been working really well.

“We’ve been able to bring in more top end portacabins to help the academy, we have a new office, a classroom and more toilets so it’s been great.

“The more people that take it up the better and the more it will help the academy.

“The Shrimpers Trust are continuing their support which is brilliant, along with the chairman, whose support has been great and that is helping us to produce more players.”

Anyone interested in supporting the Blues Lottery should visit southendunited.co.uk to download a form or visit Roots Hall in person for more details and a list of prizes which includes £250 for the winner.