LUKE O’Neill is relishing his unexpected opportunity with Southend United this season.

The 25-year-old bagged Blues’ third goal in Saturday’s 3-1 win against Millwall at Roots Hall.

But O’Neill seemed set to leave the Shrimpers in the summer before a change of position revived his future at the club.

“Last season was difficult for me,” said O’Neill, who failed to feature in the final 13 matches of the previous campaign.

“I spoke with the gaffer but I came back for pre-season and thought I did well.

“I’m playing in a new position now on the right-wing and hopefully I can kick on and keep doing well.

“Coming on and scoring felt great and I’ll keep working hard to try and get back into the team because that’s obviously where everyone wants to be.”

O’Neill – who had previously been lining up at right-back for the Shrimpers - played the final 18 minutes in place of the injured Stephen McLaughlin against the Lions.

And he was delighted to help Blues bounce back from last Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Scunthorpe United.

“We needed that after the result we had at Scunthorpe,” said O’Neill.

“We were all disappointed and wanted to put it right.

“We’ve done that now and want to kick on because we need to keep it going and get a few wins under our belt.”

And O’Neill feels Blues have the spirit to be able to build on Saturday’s success.

“The boys are so together in there and it’s one of the best changing rooms I’ve been in,” said O’Neill.

“Everyone gave 100 per cent and we’re all in for the cause.

“Teams like Barnsley started poorly last year and went up so why can’t we go up the table too?

“I think we have every chance.”