JOHN White insists he is relishing his new defensive role at Southend United.

The 31-year-old - who has featured as a full-back for most of his career - has impressed at the heart of the back four in Blues’ opening two matches of the matches.

And White believes a central position suits his style of play.

“It’s more physical but it brings out the best side of me which is the defensive side,” said White.

“It comes naturally to me because it’s the stronger side to my game and I can use that to my advantage and I’m really enjoying it.

“I’m enjoying the time on the pitch and if I’m doing well then hopefully I’ll stay in the manager’s thoughts and keep on getting picked.”

White partnered Anton Ferdinand on the opening day of the season as the Shrimpers saw off Blackburn Rovers 2-1.

Three days the defender was also one of few players to be exempt from criticism as Blues were beaten 2-0 by Newport County in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

And White remains disappointed to have been beaten by the Welsh side.

“It was a frustrating night,” said White.

“We didn’t play our usual stuff and we catered for them too much which cost us in the end. Ultimately they took their chances and we didn’t.”

But White was unable to explain why the Shrimpers were so far below the levels they showed in beating Blackburn.

“Both the games were completely different,” said White.

“I’m not saying one is a bigger game but obviously everyone was really up for the first game of the season.

“We needed to carry that on to Tuesday’s game but we knew they would be a physical, hard-working challenge. We needed to stand up to them but they got the better of us.

“Towards the end of the first half we created some good chances and if we had gone in 1-0 up it could have been a different story.

“The first goal was a killer and made it very difficult, but we have to focus on Saturday’s game at Rotherham now.

“Everyone needs to look at themselves to make they are right in training for the rest of the week and then in the game too.”

But White should stay in the side, wearing his new unusual new squad number 48.

“I just fancied a change,” said White.

“I couldn’t have 50 because (Nile) Ranger has it, I don’t like 49 so I went for 48.”