GARY Deegan wants to play a prominent part in Southend United keeping the pressure on the four teams above them in the League Two table.

The tigerish midfielder was recalled to the starting line-up in place of the injured Ryan Leonard for Saturday’s 1-0 win against Tranmere Rovers at Roots Hall.

And the 27-year-old now hopes to have done enough to stay in the side for the remainder of the season as the Shrimpers bid to secure a return to League One.

“Hopefully I took my chance and did enough to get picked again,” said the Irishman.

“There’s competition for places and when Ryan is back I’m sure we will be fighting for that place but I think that’s quite healthy.

“Of course you always want to help your team-mates and it’s been frustrating not being able to do that.

“But I’ve been there to support them all and hopefully I did well in this game.”

Deegan had been on the bench for Blues’ previous nine outings after dropping out of the team following the 4-2 defeat at Stevenage in mid-February.

However, he was recalled against Tranmere and was thrilled to help Blues record their third win in succession.

“It was massive for us to get the win,” said Deegan.

“We knew Tranmere would throw everything at us because they’re fighting for their lives and they did.

“They threw the kitchen sink at us at the end but luckily enough we saw it out.

“We’ve got three wins in a week and we want to keep that going to keep the pressure on the teams above us.

“Hopefully I can play a part in that too.”

Deegan looks set to stay in the side for tomorrow night’s clash with Newport County at Roots Hall.

And boss Phil Brown is not sure when Leonard will be back in contention after suffering an ankle injury in training on Friday.

“We don’t know how long Lenny will be out for at the moment,” said Brown.

“When he woke up on Saturday the ankle had swollen up and was a bit more painful. “Fingers crossed he will be training today but I don’t think he will be if I’m honest.

“However, it’s given Gary Deegan a chance and I’ve told him it doesn’t matter what Ryan Leonard did last year or this year if he comes in and plays well then he will keep the shirt.”