SOUTHEND United midfielder Sam Mantom will take to the pitch at Luton Town on Tuesday night with words of praise from manager Chris Powell ringing in his ears.

Mantom has shone for the Shrimpers in the opening few fixtures of the new season.

And Powell has been delighted with the impact made by the 26-year-old who ended last season on loan with Blues.

“Sam’s a good player,” said Powell.

“He came to my attention the week before the transfer window ended last January when I first came in but he wasn’t fit.

“I was thinking it was a new job for me and I’m signing a player who won’t be ready for three or four weeks but I convinced Sam and told him we would look after him.

“I told him we could get him to the level I know he could play.

“Kev Keen had him when he was younger at West Bromwich Albion but he’s someone I’ve kept an eye on when he was at Walsall and Scunthorpe and I’m pleased to have him.”

Mantom’s ability on the ball has caught the eye during the Shrimpers’ start to the season.

But Powell has been pleased with all aspects of his play.

“Sam’s a ball player but he’s tenacious and he knows he has to win a battle in there,” said the Blues boss.

“His awareness is good and so is his appreciation of a pass.

“He wants to look forward and he understands the game.

“I always thought him coming in alongside someone like Dru (Yearwood) would be good last year and since then I’ve added a few additions with Tim Dieng and Luke Hyam plus Michael Klass.

“Sam likes to look after the football and I like that too.”

Mantom again looks set to partner Dieng - another summer recruit - at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday night.

But Powell could soon be heading for a real selection headache when Yearwood and Hyam both regain fill fitness.

“We’re going to have to play with 15, I just haven’t told them yet,” laughed Powell.

“In one way it’s great to have those options and have great players in the team and on the bench but we’re going to have to disappoint one or two.

“They will give me food for thought and everyone in the team will have to perform.

“But that bodes well and we have that competition in the striking department now too.

“We have four good strikers who have all scored and that’s pleasing.”

Tom Hopper and Simon Cox both started and scored against Bradford City at the weekend but Theo Robinson and Shawn McCoulsky are also pushing for selection in attack.