SOUTHEND United winger Kevan Hurst has spoken of his joy at clocking up a century of appearances for the club.

The winger played his 100th game for the Shrimpers against Accrington Stanley on Monday.

And Hurst was thrilled to reach the landmark with a crucial win which all but secured Phil Brown’s side’s place in the end of season play-offs.

“It’s nice to have made 100 appearances for a club and it was even nicer to win the game,” said the 28-year-old.

“I got close to 100 games for Chesterfield, despite it being loan spells, and with Scunthorpe United as well – but injuries prevented me kicking on there.

“Luckily I’ve managed to avoid them since signing here and making 100 appearances in just two seasons is pretty good for any player.”

Hurst has continued to impress for the Shrimpers this season and currently leads their goal-scoring and goal-making charts.

The winger has scored 12 and also has 11 assists, more than any other player in League Two.

But Hurst is more interested in success for the team and making sure Southend can secure promotion via the play-offs.

“We’ve got some big games coming up to make sure we’re in a position to fight for the game at Wembley,” said the winger.

“We played there last season in the final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, losing to Crewe 2-0.

“It was the first time a number of the lads had experienced Wembley and maybe we were a bit mesmerised by the occasion.

“But I’m sure if we got back there this season that experience would put us in a position to really go for it and hopefully send the fans home happy knowing we we’ll be playing League One football next season.”

Blues boss Brown is also hoping that can happen.

And he was quick to praise Hurst’s for reaching 100 games in such a short space of time.

“Kevan should be congratulated for his achievement because he’s done very well indeed,” said Brown.

“When I first came in people were going on about the likes of Sean Clohessy and Ryan Cresswell having played so many minutes and games.

“But Kevan is a winger and he’s really earned each and every one of his starts.

“He’s a very important player for us and is having another very good season.

“Barry Corr is now closing in on him for top goalscorer though so we’re going to have to make sure Kevan doesn’t stop crossing it to him!”