LUKE O’Neill insists he is keen to make up for lost time at Southend United.

The right-back impressed at Millwall on Saturday in his first start since returning to the Shrimpers on a permanent basis in late August.

And the 24-year-old is now desperate to stay in the side and show off his best form after having to wait almost a month for an opportunity.

“I’ve come to the club to play, not sit on the bench so I was really excited to get a chance at the weekend and I’ll be doing all I can to make sure I stay in there now,” said O’Neill.

“I had to wait a little while to get an opportunity because John White and Ben Coker had both been playing well.

“However, injuries happen in football and I would like to think I took my chance against Millwall after they were ruled out.

“Now I’m looking forward to the Scunthorpe game and if I’m selected again then I’ll be doing everything I can to help us win that game as well.

“I’m really looking to kick on now and make up for lost time because I had gone quite a while without a game.”

O’Neill, who also had a short spell on loan with Southend back in 2014, returned to action in Saturday’s 2-0 win against the Lions and was described as ‘fantastic’ by Blues boss Phil Brown after the game.

But the defender believes there is still far more to come from him, especially once he regains full match fitness.

“I was suffering with cramp towards the end of game at Millwall but I’ll get fitter and sharper the more I play,” said O’Neill.

“I do feel as though there is a lot more to come from me and that I’m capable of adding something to the team.

“I believe I can play at this level and higher but I want to get out there and show that now.”

O’Neill’s next opportunity to impress will come against Scunthorpe United at Roots Hall on Saturday when the full-back will find himself taking on a number of familiar faces having lined up for the Iron 15 times on loan last season.

“I know virtually all of the Scunthorpe lads and the manager as well so I’m looking forward to it,” he said.