SOUTHEND United new boy Rob Kiernan hopes to have done enough to keep his place in the side for tomorrow night’s clash with Fleetwood Town at Roots Hall.

Kiernan, who is on loan at the Shrimpers from Wigan Athletic, partnered Mark Phillips at the heart of the defence for last Saturday’s 1-0 win at Burton Albion.

But, with Luke Prosser returning from suspension and Adam Thompson coming back from international duty with Northern Ireland’s under 21s, there is now real competition for places at centre back.

And Kiernan is desperate to get the nod from Blues boss Phil Brown.

“Hopefully I did enough in the Burton game to keep my place for Friday night against Fleetwood,” said the 22-year-old.

“I thought we did well at Burton and deserved to get the three points, even though we left it late.

“As a defender you always want to keep a clean sheet so that was a big bonus for me.

“I enjoyed playing alongside Mark Phillips. He’s an experienced defender and we seemed to work well together so hopefully we can keep it going.”

Kiernan’s stint with Southend is the eighth loan spell of his career.

And, after holding talks with Owen Coyle – his manager at Wigan – the centre-back thought heading out for more first team football was the perfect way to develop his game.

“I spoke with Owen Coyle and he was very honest with me,” said Kiernan.

“He said that I have got the ability to play for Wigan but that his other defensive options had the edge over me in terms of experience at this time.

“I understood that and felt it would be best for me to get out on loan again and Southend became available.

“But I believe the loan system works really well because younger players can go out, learn their trade and then go back to their parent clubs a better player.”

Kiernan now has his sights set on making his home debut for the Shrimpers tomorrow night.

And he wants to help Blues see off a Fleetwood side who are currently sitting second in League Two.

“They have been tipped as one of the top sides in this division and are showing it at the moment, but hopefully we can come away with the three points,” said Kiernan.

“I’ve played at Roots Hall before and the fans are quite close to the pitch which creates a loud environment which makes it tough for away teams.

“I won there with Burton and then lost there with Brentford, but I’m looking forward to making my first home appearance for Southend there on Friday night.”