STEPHEN Hendrie insists he is buzzing to have completed a loan switch to Southend United.

The West Ham United left-back will spend at least the next month with the Shrimpers.

And the 21-year-old cannot wait to sample competitive league football once again.

“I had been used to playing on Saturdays with my former team Hamilton so playing 21s on a Monday night has been hard,” said Hendrie.

“I’ve missed really competitive football and I can’t wait to get started now.

“I’m absolutely buzzing to get a loan move, especially to Southend.

“I can hopefully get game time here, get some good results and get the team up into the play off positions.”

Hendrie will replace the injured Ben Coker in Blues’ starting line-up in what will be his debut in English football.

The defender made 117 appearances for Hamilton before joining West Ham United for £1 million in July.

However, Hendrie has yet to appear for the Hammers first team and jumped at the chance to team up with Southend.

“I found out about the move when the under 21 manager Terry Westley rang me to let me know about Southend’s interest and it was a no brainer really,” said the left-back.

“I said yes straight away and I’m happy it’s been done now.

“They have a great team here and they were promoted last season so it’s a club on the up.

“They’re three points outside the play-offs and I’m happy to be here now.”

Hendrie, who has signed a 31 day deal, will go straight into the starting line-up at Peterborough United tomorrow.

And he is keen to get off to a good start at London Road.

“It will be a hard game at Peterborough but it’s one you want to be playing in,” said Hendrie.

“We’re three points behind them and we want to be level with them by the end of the game.