CENTRAL defender Sonny Coutts is hoping to hear the ‘Roots Hall roar’ from the home faithful when he takes to the pitch for Southend United’s FA Youth Cup Second Round tie against Barnet tonight.

The first-year scholar, who has been named vice-captain for the under 18s this season, enjoyed a fairytale debut at the venue last week when he scored the sixth and final goal in the first round victory against Leverstock Green.

And he is now eager to sample the atmosphere once again when the Blues take on the Bees:

“We don’t play under floodlights very often, so it’s completely different feel to a Saturday game, especially with it being at a stadium,” said the Rayleigh based Coutts.

“The atmosphere is a lot better and it just seems to be a lot different at night, but it was an enjoyable experience and I’m looking forward to this game too.

The former Sweyne Park schoolboy featured 15 times last season and has been a regular at the heart of the defence since recovering from injury at the end of pre-season this term.

But the first Round tie was the first time he had stepped onto the Roots Hall pitch.

“It was my first time playing there,” said Coutts.

“It was quite a young side, so that was the same for a lot of the boys and in the first few minutes it was quite nervy.

“It was a long day, especially with the 7:30pm kick-off, so we had to keep our nerves under control.

“I think that showed in the early stages, but once we got ourselves in the game and went 1-0 up we were fine.”

“The crowd motivates you a lot, especially when you hear the opposition fans.

“It felt like there were as many Leverstock Green fans there as Southend fans, and that’s a different challenge to face, but it was enjoyable and, of course, it prepares you for first-team football.”

Blues’ under 18 side lost their first game for a month, away to MK Dons, at the weekend but Coutts remains optimistic about the team’s chances against Barnet, who top the Football League Youth Alliance South East Conference that Southend also compete in.

“They’ll be similar to MK Dons. They’re very good going forwards, but the last time we played them we were 2-0 up and we conceded two late goals.”

“We’ve only lost two matches in 10 and that’s a very good record, so hopefully Saturday was just a little blip and we can turn it back on in The FA Youth Cup.”