SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell heaped praise on goalkeeper Nathan Bishop after the youngster made the first League start of his career this afternoon.

Bishop lined up between the sticks in the Shrimpers' 2-1 defeat against Rochdale at Roots Hall after replacing the injured Mark Oxley.

And Powell was more than happy to pick the 19-year-old.

"I had no problems putting Bish in and he acquitted himself well," said Powell.

"He made some good saves and he’s going to be a good keeper.

"He’s got a good mentality too."

With Bishop in goal, Ted Smith was selected on the bench for just the second time since September 2017.

But Powell would also be willing to select Smith despite his lack of match action.

"People will be wondering what’s happened to Ted but he’s had one game in 14 months and had a small setback recently," said the Blues boss.

"He’s another good keeper though and I'd have no qualms picking him either."

Blues are back in action at Oxford United on Boxing Day.

And Powell is unsure whether or not Oxley will be available to play.

"I don’t know how Mark is but we’ll see in training if he’s ready for Boxing Day," said the 49-year-old.

"It’s his lower back.

"He’s very stiff and there was no way he could've played."