MICHAEL Klass is determined to stay involved with Southend United’s first team.

The 19-year-old midfielder came off the bench at Plymouth Argyle for his Football League debut before starting Tuesday night’s 4-2 defeat against Brentford in the Carabao Cup.

And Klass is now hungry for more opportunities to impress.

“I’m still buzzing about playing and I can’t wait to get back on that pitch again,” said Klass.

“I would love to play every minute of every match but I know that’s not going to happen.

“I just have to be ready for the next opportunity whenever that may come.

“If that’s Saturday then great but if not I’ll just keep working hard to make sure I can show what I can do whenever the chance does come.”

Klass joined Blues in 2017 following his release from Queens Park Rangers and has regularly impressed in the under-23 team.

But the midfielder has been heavily involved with the first team since the start of pre-season and has been praised by Shrimpers boss Chris Powell, who has told the youngster to ‘make this his season’.

“It’s great to hear the manager has faith in you and it does boost your confidence when you’re going out there to play,” said Klass.

“I was obviously very pleased when I found out I would be starting the Brentford game and I thought we gave it a real go in the second half.

“In the first half we felt as though we didn’t really go for it enough but it was much better in the second.

“We shouldn’t have conceded so quickly after equalising and that was disappointing but we still kept going and almost got back in it towards the end.”

Klass’ fine through ball was impressively fired home by Shawn McCoulsky to cut Brentford’s lead to 3-2.

And Klass then almost brought Blues back level with a firm header which hit the top of the crossbar.

“As soon as I headed it I thought it had a good chance of going in so it was a bit frustrating to see it come back off the bar like it did,” said the midfielder.

“I didn’t really know what to think at that point but it was obviously frustrating because at 3-3 it would have got us right back into the game with just a few minutes to go.

“Unfortunately that didn’t happen but everyone will be looking to bounce back against Bradford on Saturday now.”

Klass’ two appearances also mean he has already equalled his tally from the whole of last season.