JEAN-FRANCOIS Christophe would be happy to sign for Southend United.

Blues boss Steve Tilson revealed in Echosport yesterday how he would like to keep the on loan midfielder on a permanent basis.

And, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Colchester at Roots Hall, Christophe has confirmed he would like to stay with the Shrimpers for longer.

“I am happy the manager has said that and I would like to sign here,” said the Frenchman.

“I am in the last year of my contract with Portsmouth and I am playing my future.

“I’m working hard and I like it at Southend because it’s a good club. I have been given a lot of time to play, the gaffer has given me confidence and we are doing well.

“We have a good team and I want to grow up with this side because me and my family like it in England.

“It also better to be playing a real team rather than the reserves at Portsmouth which isn’t so good.”

Christophe has made 11 appearances since joining from the Premier League side and was particularly impressive in Tuesday night’s 1-0 win over Leeds United.

He is now aiming for more of the same against Colchester but knows the team must be on top form.

“Because it is a derby you know it’s going to be hard,” said Christophe, 21.

“But we had a good game against Leeds and now we want to do another one.

“It was disappointing at Bristol Rovers but we’ve come back and want to go on another good run.”

Blues are now seventh in the table after their midweek heroics and are only two points from third placed Leeds.

Christophe, whose loan spell expires a week on Saturday, wants to close the gap even further.

“I think the team can go into the Championship,” he said.

“That’s what we are working towards and I think we can do it.”

Southend have no new injury concerns ahead of the game and are expected to field an unchanged starting line-up.

Dougie Freedman is out with a thigh strain and top goalscorer Lee Barnard is still absent with a hamstring injury.