CIAN Bolger hopes his improved showing against Hartlepool can be the start of him proving his worth at Southend United.

The Irishman centre-back endured an indifferent start to his Shrimpers career after signing from Bolton Wanderers in the summer.

But, after five games on the bench, he returned to the starting line-up on Saturday as Blues saw off the Monkeyhangers 1-0 at Roots Hall.

And Bolger now wants to build on his promising performance to ensure he can keep his place in the side.

“It was pleasing for me to get back in because it’s been frustrating lately,” said the 22-year-old.

“I was sent off at Plymouth, then had a bad day at Luton so I had a point to prove with the mistakes I made.

“I wanted to show what I can do and hopefully I’ve done that here.

“Hopefully I’ve done enough to stay in the side and then it’s up to me to keep playing well to make sure I stay there.”

Bolger was handed a recall in place of the suspended Jakub Sokolik in a makeshift Shrimpers defence.

Adam Thompson was forced to line-up at right-back with John White on the other side of the defence.

But Bolger insisted it had not been a problem for the Shrimpers who secured their first clean sheet in eight games.

“Tommo and Whitey were out of position but we’re all footballers and we just had to defend so it wasn’t too bad,” said the centre-back.

“We were delighted to get the clean sheet and, of course, we were delighted to get the three points too.”

The victory kept the Shrimpers in the League Two play-off positions and it also ensured they bounced back from the disappointing FA Cup defeat to Conference club Chester.

“Everyone was disappointed after the Chester game but there was no point coming in sulking every day,” said Bolger.

“We had a good week in training and this was a massive win for us.”

However, Bolger had always been confident of Blues being able to get back on track.

“People have been panicking it seems but as a group we’re all focused,” said the centre-back.

“We’re in the play-off positions and want promotion but there’s still loads of time left.

“I want to play a part too but it’s up to me to play well to make sure I stay in the team.”