SOUTHEND United defender Harry Kyprianou is determined to build on his return to the Shrimpers first team.

The 20-year-old started Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Rochdale at Roots Hall alongside makeshift centre-back Ryan Leonard.

And Kyprianou is now eager to make sure his solid display was not a one off.

“I’m extremely eager to stay in and around the first team after Saturday,” said Kyprianou, who had gone 12 months without making a League start for the Shrimpers.

“I was delighted to be back playing for the first team and I just want to play as many games as possible now to try and help the team fulfil our goals for the season.”

Injuries to Rob Kiernan, Anton Ferdinand, Michael Turner and John White saw Kyprianou called up in the heart of the Blues back four.

And he now feels fully at home in a more central role - despite having previously played more as a left-back.

“I’m just happy to be given an opportunity and I’m not too fussed whether it comes at centre-back or left-back if I’m honest,” said Kyprianou.

“If being able to play both roles brings more opportunities then that’s great for me but I do feel comfortable in both now.

"Centre-back brings more defensive responsibilities and leadership becomes more important.

"When I’m playing left-back or left wing-back I try to affect the game going forwards but obviously when I’m at centre-back clean sheets become my main focus.

“But I’m just happy to be playing.”

Kyprianou burst onto the scene for the Shrimpers last season, scoring in his first two starts before a groin injury hindered his progress, much to the frustration of the former Watford youngster.

“Last year after I broke in I got injured and that lasted quite a while, so that was probably my main frustration,” said Kyprianou.

“I physically wasn’t able to put myself in contention to play more games and that’s never nice for any footballer.”

But Kyprianou is now back to full fitness and he was happy to help the Shrimpers secure their first clean sheet of the season at the weekend.

“I thought we were in control for most of the game, especially after the sending off,” said Kyprianou.

“After that point though it was disappointing not to have created more chances in order to go on and win the game.

“Nevertheless the clean sheet was pleasing and it gives the team a base the push on from.”