STEPHEN McLaughlin wants his semi-final heroics to earn himself a place in Southend United’s starting line-up for Saturday’s play-off final with Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley.

The on loan Nottingham Forest winger came off the bench midway through the second half against Stevenage, with the Shrimpers trailing 1-0 at Roots Hall.

But the Irishman set up Ryan Leonard for Blues’ equaliser before he headed them in front in extra-time.

And the 24-year-old now wants to be rewarded by starting against the Chairboys this weekend.

“I was pretty disappointed not to be starting after being in the team for the first leg at Stevenage,” said McLaughlin.

“I knew I just had to show what I was about whenever I got on the pitch.

“I wanted to show I should be starting and I thought I did that to be honest so hopefully that will stand me in good stead for Wembley now. “ McLaughlin joined Blues on loan in March and has started seven of the 10 games since his arrival.

The winger will now be putting pressure on Will Atkinson and David Worrall for a starting slot against Wycombe.

And McLaughlin will certainly be well supported come this Saturday.

“It’s my first time at Wembley and I’ve had to book 40 odd tickets for my friends and family who are all over coming,” said McLaughlin.

“It should be a good occasion but it’s all about winning the game and I want to be involved with that happening.”

Victory would guarantee promotion for the Shrimpers and would also be very well received in Ireland, with McLaughlin one of seven Irish players currently at the club.

“For me personally, it’s good to have people from Ireland here to talk to,” said the winger.

“It helped me settle in and hopefully we can all be celebrating this weekend.”