SOUTHEND United’s academy manager Ricky Duncan insists he is excited by the Shrimpers’ continued conveyor belt of talent.

Midfielder Dru Yearwood has become the latest product of the club’s youth system to push into the first team squad.

But, on the eve of starting another new season, Duncan believes Blues’ academy is well placed to produce even more players.

“We’ve had 12 years of hard work to get to where we are now and it’s the first time I’ve really sat back and thought how well placed we are,” said Duncan.

“I’m really excited about where we’re at and where we’re looking to go because there’s a solid base in place to work from.

“We’ve now got a pathway in place for boys to go through to the first team and you can see deep into the set-up that there are players who will be coming through on a consistent basis as long as we maintain what we’re doing.

“It’s really pleasing at the moment because I can see youngsters here who will definitely go on to be professional footballers.”

Pushing through into the first team remains the ultimate ambition for all young players on the books at Roots Hall.

But each individual age-group will also be looking to triumph as a team.

And Duncan is hoping for another strong year from Blues’ under-18s, who kick off their league campaign at Northampton Town this weekend.

“This group should achieve and finish in the top five to get into the top Merit League this season,” said Duncan.

“They should also look to do well in the Youth Alliance Cup and reach at least the third round of the FA Youth Cup.

“We want to win because that’s the culture we want but producing players matters most and we’ve seen that recently with Dru.”

Yearwood’s pre-season displays have been the main highlight of the Shrimpers’ pre-season and the midfielder was rewarded for his eye-catching displays with a four-year contract.

And Duncan believes Yearwood’s progression highlights the philosophy now in place at the club.

“If you perform well then you go up and we’ve seen that with Dru,” said Duncan.

“Matt Rush, who is a first year, played well at Watford for the 18s and then went with the 23s to Colchester.

“That’s our philosophy now.

“If you’re ready and you’re good enough then you go up, just like Dru.

“But just because he’s gone past the 23s it doesn’t mean that those in that age group won’t get an opportunity.

“It just means Dru is ready now and the likes of Joe Bedford, Harry Phillips and Renei Batlokwa may be ready in six or 18 months time.

“They have to push on for their own challenge and that’s what I’m trying to install in them.

“But it’s all very positive and a lot of credit must go to the staff.”