LUKE O’Neill hopes switching to right midfield can help him feature more regularly for Southend United this season.

O’Neill – who has previously played at right-back – struggled to hold down a regular starting slot last term.

But the 24-year-old is now eager to impress in whatever role he has chosen.

“I quite enjoy it playing right midfield and I feel as though it’s been going OK there so far in pre-season,” said O’Neill.

“The manager said he wanted to have a look at me there and I’ve played that role before, so it’s not a problem for me to play slightly further forward.

“I just want to play and I don’t really mind where that is.

“I’ve said that to the manager in a conversation we had and I’ll be looking to do well in the rest of the pre-season games to try and get into the team for the start of the season.

“Maybe being able to play a different role might help my chances but I’ll certainly be giving it my best shot.”

O’Neill joined Blues initially on loan last August before making the switch to Roots Hall on a permanent basis.

However, he made just 14 starts last term and failed to figure in the final 13 games of the season.

Uncertainty surrounded O’Neill’s future when right-back Jason Demetriou signed during the summer to do battle with club captain John White for a starting slot.

But O’Neill is focusing on his own performances and was pleased to work his way onto the score-sheet in Tuesday night’s 2-1 win at Canvey Island.

“I don’t get many goals, mainly because I’ve spent most of my time playing right-back, so it was nice to get one on Tuesday,” said O’Neill.

“The friendlies have been going OK but they’re more about fitness at this stage."

Blues will continue to work on their sharpness in Spain from Sunday.

But O’Neill is already feeling in good shape.

“Training has been going well and I already feel quite sharp and fit,” said the former Burnley man.

“I looked after myself during the summer to stay in good shape and I’m looking to push that on now so I can hopefully enjoy a good season.”