SHAQ Coulthirst believes he can be the man to fire Southend United to promotion this season.

The on loan Tottenham Hotspur striker bagged the Shrimpers’ goal in their 1-1 draw at Northampton Town on Saturday.

And Coulthirst is now confident he can score on a more consistent basis.

“In training I’ve been sharp and the goals have been there so I feel as though I can do the same in the matches,” said Coulthirst, who turned 21 the day before the game.

“The goal gave me a real burst of energy and I felt good with the goal.

“Hopefully I can push on, stay in the side and score a few more now because I’m confident of getting goals if I play.”

Coulthirst was handed a rare opportunity to impress against the Cobblers having been on the bench for the previous 12 games.

But, with Kevan Hurst and David Worrall not fit enough to start at the Sixfields Stadium, Coulthirst earned a recall.

And he was pleased to have made the most of the opportunity.

“It was good to get the start and the goal because I’ve been working hard waiting for a chance like this,” said Coulthirst.

“We’ve got a few injuries at the moment so the manager felt it was my time and I was pleased about it too.

“I need to be playing regular football at this stage of my career if I am to keep on developing.

“So hopefully I can stay in the side now and keep on doing well.”

Coulthirst’s goal, which came right at the start of the second half, was cancelled out by Lawson D’Ath’s header 18 minutes from time.

Blues, who remain sixth in the League Two table, also had defender Luke Prosser sent off in stoppage time.

But Coulthirst was frustrated not to have won the game for Phil Brown’s side.

“I’m disappointed with the end result,” said the striker who has now scored three goals in 13 starts for the Shrimpers.

“It’s not really good enough for where we want to be either.

“We want to be top of the table and not down where we are the moment.

“We wanted the win and we’re frustrated we haven’t got it.”