STEPHEN McLaughlin will be out to build on his first 90 minutes in close to four months when Blues visit Rotherham United tomorrow.

The 27-year-old endured an injury hit pre-season after picking up an ankle problem in training.

But the Irishman played the full game against Newport County in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

And, having come through unscathed, McLaughlin is keen to step things up for the Shrimpers.

“The Newport game was my first 90 minutes since the last game of last season in April so I was very happy to come through it,” said McLaughlin, who was on the bench on the opening day of the season against Blackburn Rovers.

“Obviously I was gutted to lose the game and we were all disappointed to have not gone through to the next round.

“But I was pleased to play the full game, especially as the most I played in pre-season was the 55 minutes I got against Colchester in our final pre-season friendly.”

McLaughlin featured at the start of Blues’ summer schedule.

However, he was then forced to miss a trio of pre-season games after suffering an injury.

“I blocked a shot in training and it just opened up my ankle,” explained McLaughlin.

“It was frustrating to miss a few weeks but missing the matches was a precaution because we had to make sure we got it right.

“I’m feeling good again now though and can hopefully push for a place in the team.”

McLaughlin was a key figure for the Shrimpers last term, scoring seven times in 38 games.

But his injury hit pre-season meant he was not selected in the starting line-up against Blackburn Rovers by boss Phil Brown.

However, the Irishman - who came on as a late substitute - was still delighted by the victory.

“The boys were unbelievable in the Blackburn game,” said McLaughlin.

“Sitting watching it you could see how well everyone was playing and it was great to see.

“The league is our main priority this season so it was great to start with a win and it would give everyone another real boost if we could go and get another three points against Rotherham at the weekend now.”

But McLaughlin - who will be battling Michael Kightly and Jermaine McGlashan for a starting slot - believes the Millers will be tough to see off.

“It’s certainly not going to be easy this weekend and we’re expecting a difficult game on Saturday,” said the winger.

“Rotherham were in the Championship last season and have some good players but it’s a game we’re looking forward to.

“It’s a new ground for a lot of the players but we’re going there feeling confident.”