JOHNNY Herd insists the kids will be alright for Southend United this season.

The 19-year-old left back, who has risen through the ranks at Roots Hall, is relishing his current involvement with the first team.

And he is sure there are other youngsters at the club capable of following in his footsteps.

“The future looks really good right now with all the good young players we have here,” said Herd.

“I was in the same youth team as Franck (Moussa) so it’s great to be linking up with him again down the left hand side in the first team and we’ve had a few others come through too.

“Ricky Duncan has done a great job, winning the youth league last season and I’m sure there are more young players looking to step up.”

With the club’s financial situation limiting the size of the squad, more of the Shrimpers’ youngsters are likely to be given a chance in League One.

Midfielder Stuart O’Keefe and striker Craig Calver are among those pushing to be involved in Steve Tilson’s plans.

But Herd has already done that and has now started his side’s last two matches.

That means he has made 13 appearances for the Shrimpers who first noticed his talents four years ago.

“It was Luke Hobbs, the centre of excellence manager, who first spotted me,” recalled Herd.

“I actually went to an open trial at Cambridge United and that’s when I got spotted.

“Then when Luke and Ricky came to Southend I went with them and I’ve been here four years now.

“It’s gone well and I’m delighted to be in the first team at the moment.”

Herd is keen to keep his place in the starting line-up and believes he will improve the more matches he plays.

The same can also be said of his fitness after he did not figure much during the Shrimpers’ pre-season friendlies.

“I was blowing a bit by the end of the Leeds game last week but I managed to get through it,” said Herd.

“That will have done me good and my fitness will improve with every game I play.”

Herd’s next outing will come at Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend.

And he is hoping for all three points at the Withdean Stadium.

“I’m sure Brighton will be a hard-working team so we will have to match that,” said Herd.

“But we are playing well and it’s a game we think we can win.”