SOUTHEND United shot-stopper Ted Smith has expressed his delight at keeping back to back clean sheets.

But the youngster knows it will be still be tough to keep Daniel Bentley out the side when he regains full fitness.

Smith shut out both Carlisle United and AFC Wimbledon in the space of four days to help Phil Brown’s side pick up four points out of six.

However, the former King School pupil expects a real fight on his hands to stay in the side when Bentley recovers from a groin injury.

“I’m really happy to have come in and got the clean sheets but Dan is brilliant and he has been for two years here,” said Smith, 19.

“I’ll take each game as it comes and if I get a few more then great but if I don’t play then I won’t be holding any grudges towards anybody if Dan’s fit and I don’t play Saturday.

Smith has lined up in goal for three of Blues’ last four games with Bentley’s injury making it impossible for him to kick the ball.

Bentley was therefore selected among the substitutes at AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday night.

And Smith, who has come through the youth ranks at Roots Hall, was delighted to have kept out the Dons.

“I didn’t have loads to do in the game but what I did have to do I thought I did well,” said the England under 19 international.

“The back four were brilliant in front of me and it’s a tough place to go so it was pleasing we were able to stop them scoring.

“Of course it would’ve been better if we had got the three points but hopefully we can do that against Wycombe Wanderers now in what is another big game.”

The Shrimpers head in to Saturday’s showdown sitting sixth in the League Two table, five points below Wycombe who currently occupy the final automatic promotion position