SOUTHEND United’s win at Newport County in the FA Youth Cup tonight completed a memorable few days for their highly-rated midfielder Joe Bedford.

The 18-year-old was selected in Blues’ first team squad for Saturday’s 1-0 victory against Blackpool.

And Bedford was pleased to follow that up by playing a key part in Southend’s 2-1 triumph at Rodney Parade this evening.

“It’s been a really good few days for me and it was great to get the win against Newport,” said Bedford.

“We didn’t panic when they went in front and I always thought we could come back to win the game if we stuck at it and played like we can.

“We got back into it in the second half and now we’re all buzzing to be going to Blackburn Rovers in the third round.

“It’s going to be a great experience for us all.”

Bedford will again be looking to impress at Ewood Park.

And the talented teenager is keen to work his way back into the first team squad after loving his involvement against Blackpool.

“Being in the squad and around the first team was completely different to anything I had experienced before,” said Bedford.

“There’s a real winning mentality in the dressing room and it was brilliant to be part of it.

“I’ve already been at the club for 10 years so it’s all I’ve ever wanted and it was quite surreal being in there.

“But having been in and around the squad I now want to try and get back into it again.

“It’s totally different to being with the youth team but I want to play well in every game I get to try and show that I could be called up into another first team squad.”