SOUTHEND United midfielder Gary Deegan believes he is benefiting from a calmer approach to his game.

The tough-tackling Irishman has gone eight matches without working his way in to the referee’s notebook.

And Deegan revealed his disciplinary record has improved since holding talks with Blues boss Phil Brown.

“The manager sat me down and spoke to me about the number of bookings I was getting,” said the midfielder.

“I’m an aggressive type of player but I was doing myself any favours by picking up early bookings and then not being able to play my normal game.

“I’ve gone about things in a different way just recently and it seems to be paying off because I’ve gone eight matches without being booked which is a first for me.

“It’s certainly helped me and I think it’s the way forward for me now.”

Before talking with Brown, Deegan had been shown nine yellow cards and one red in just 15 appearances.

But the Irishman also believes his new look – with far less of a beard - could also have helped keep him out of trouble.

“I think maybe people had the wrong perception of me with how I looked,” said Deegan.

“I was easily identifiable with the long beard and it probably didn’t do me any favours.

“Maybe that’s helped me as well, I’m not really sure, but I’m just pleased to be starting so many games and I’m determined to stay in the side now.”

Deegan’s start against Fleetwood on Saturday, which was his 50th appearance for the club, was his 22nd of the current campaign, eclipsing the 21 he made last term.

But, despite the play-offs now realistically beyond reach, the 28-year-old is still eager to finish the season on a high.

“We have had a really good season but we want to keep it going for these last five matches now,” said Deegan.

“We’re done much better than anyone expected and we got ourselves into a really good position.

“It was a shame we weren’t consistent enough to be able to make the most of where we were but we’ve done well after getting promotion last season.”