SOUTHEND United's first team coach Graham Coughlan heaped praise on the professionalism of the players following Blues' 7-0 win at Canvey Island tonight.

Coughlan guided a strong Shrimpers side to a comfortable win at the Prospects Stadium.

And he was thrilled by how Blues approached the game against their Ryman Premier League hosts.

“I thought the players were very professional before, during and after the game,” said Coughlan.

“The senior boys really set an example and a standard to the younger ones and I felt as though we earned the right to play.

“It was a really good work out and I'm sure the players enjoyed it as much as I did.

“They're a great bunch of boys and it's fantastic to work with them.”

Ten of Blues' starting line-up against the Gulls have featured in the first team this season but currently find themselves out of favour.

That has led to a lack of football and Coughlan insisted many of them needed the run out against Canvey.

“You can only keep training for so long,” said the Irishman.

“You need to get a game under your belts and some of these lads haven't had that opportunity for a little while.

“I always tell them I hope this will be the last time I see them this season because that means they will be in the first team.

“It was an important game with that in mind because it was their aim to impress the manager and to make a statement.

“It was also a confidence building exercise and it will do them the power of good.”

Ellis Brown and Barry Corr both bagged braces for Blues while Kevan Hurst, Luke Prosser and Shaq Coulthirst were also on target.

Lee Barnard had been due to play but was forced to miss out with a neck injury.