MARC-ANTOINE Fortune is keen to build on his first league goal for Southend United.

The 35-year-old Frenchman opened the scoring in the Shrimpers’ 2-1 win against Rochdale on Saturday.

And he is now eager to start hitting the back of the net on a more consistent basis.

“I’m working hard at trying to beat the first defender, then acting as the first line of defence and applying pressure on their defenders,” said Fortune.

“When you work hard I hope and think that you will get your reward through either scoring or assisting and that’s what I want to do.

“I was happy to score on Saturday and want to keep it going.”

However, Fortune’s place will now be under added pressure as Blues boss Phil Brown opted to bring former West Ham United striker Frank Nouble to the club.

But the forward is used to fighting for a place in the starting line-up.

“Everywhere I’ve played I’ve fought for my place in the team and it’s no different here,” added Fortune.

“I’ve settled in now and it’s getting better and better but I want to keep it going and help the team even more.”