DRU Yearwood was keen to stay positive - despite Southend United suffering a 3-0 defeat at Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

The 17-year-old midfielder was handed a recall to the Shrimpers’ starting line-up.

And he felt Phil Brown’s side edged the battle in the centre of the park for the majority of the match.

“I was really excited to be playing and I thought we were winning the midfield battle for much of the game which is good against a good team like Wigan, who are top of the league,” said Yearwood.

“After the sending off it was harder and they got a couple of goals but I thought we played well and it was disappointing to get that result in the end because I actually thought we played well.”

Wigan scored twice in the final six minutes to pile further misery on the Shrimpers.

But Michael Jacobs’ early opener also frustrated Yearwood.

“We were trying to get a foot-hold in the game and we were really unlucky to concede their first goal, which took a really big deflection,” said the youngster.

“I thought we got things together after that and I really enjoyed being part of it.

“I was also quite happy with how I played but it doesn’t really mean as much when you lose and it would have been much better to have got three points because that’s what matters.”

Yearwood’s display was praised after the game by Blues boss Phil Brown despite him being substituted midway through the second half.

But the midfielder understood his manager’s decision.

“I felt like I had more in the tank but we had to get another striker on so it was the right decision to make the change,” said Yearwood.

“Unfortunately it didn’t go our way but our performance against the best team in the League at the moment was good, even with 10 men.

“We were having a good spell just before they got their second goal and I don’t think we really deserved to be beaten 3-0 if I’m honest.”

The setback was Southend’s second in succession and saw them slip down to 15th in the League One standings.

But Yearwood is now desperate for Blues to get back on track when they host seventh placed Peterborough United at Roots Hall on Tuesday night.

“It’s a big game but it’s one we’ll be looking forward to because everyone wants to help the team bounce back,” said Yearwood.

“It will be hard because Peterborough are doing well but we’ll be fired up and I would obviously love to play.”