Paul Smith pleased to make Southend United debut (From Echo)

Paul Smith pleased to make Southend United debut

12:53pm Wednesday 5th September 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips

PAUL Smith was thrilled to finally make his Southend United debut against AFC Wimbledon last night.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper was on the bench for the first four matches after signing on a free transfer.

And he was delighted to help Blues win 2-1 on his return to action.

“I have been training the last few weeks working towards this so I was hoping it would come round soon,” said Smith.

“I have come to the club to play as many first team games as I can so it is frustrating not to have played yet.

“But I did need that little bit more time in training to get my sharpness together.

“The manager decided to put me in last night and it was a decision well made I’d say!

“We have a good goalkeeping department here though and everyone wants to be wearing the number one jersey but we will have to wait and see what happens on Saturday.”