SOUTHEND United youngsters Josh Bexon and Dan Walker made their FC Kitzbuhel debuts in the Austrian FA Cup on Saturday.

The duo - who have both signed on loan - were unable to stop their new side suffering a 1-0 defeat against LASK Linz, from Austria’s top division.

But FC Kitzbuhel’s assistant manager Sean Caldwell was pleased by how they performed.

“Josh was the best player on the pitch,” said Caldwell.

“He only had to make two important saves but he had the most touches on the ball in terms of distribution and playing out from the back.

“He was given a lot of coverage in local and national newspapers as well as on television.

“Dan is not fully fit at the moment but he lasted 60 minutes in a game where he was left alone for large periods.

“He won a lot of headers against top league centre-backs and could’ve created a good chance for himself had he got the ball out of his feet quick enough.

“But it was a massive challenge for the two boys in their first game and they did very well.

“We conceded in the 86th minute but they would’ve taken a lot from the experience of playing that level of opponent.

“They both thoroughly enjoyed themselves and are looking forward to the first league game at home this Friday.”