NORMAN Wabo is hungry for more minutes at Southend United after forcing his way into the first team squad.

The 19-year-old - who has scored 16 goals in 17 games for the under-23 side this season - has now made a trio of substitute appearances for the Shrimpers in League One.

But Wabo is now eager to earn more chances from manager Phil Brown.

“It’s been an honour for me to be with the first team and to have been given a chance to show what I can do, but I want to try and make sure I get more opportunities now,” said the teenager.

“It would be brilliant if I was able to get a start but I now have to keep on working hard for that to happen and make sure I do well whenever I’m on the pitch either for the 23s or the first team.”

Wabo has been a regular on the scoresheet for Kevin Maher’s young side this season.

And the youngster - who grew up in Stratford - is reaping the rewards of a change in approach to the game.

“I’ve been making sure I apply myself properly in everything I do,” said Wabo.

“I’m happy with the number of goals I’ve been scoring and I feel more confident now too, which I think is helping.

“But I’m not getting carried away about anything.”

Wabo’s first team debut came as a late substitute at Scunthorpe United just before Christmas, before he was also brought off the bench against Northampton and Fleetwood Town.

And Wabo remains frustrated not to have netted against Fleetwood, whose goalkeeper Chris Neal made a fine late save to keep out his long range shot.

“It was annoying because I struck it well and thought it was going in but it was a good save,” said the striker.

“It was great to come on for my home debut and I was more excited than nervous. It was just a shame about the result.”

Blues were beaten 2-1 by Fleetwood at Roots Hall but Wabo soon hopes to repeat the goalscoring form which first earned him a move to the club when he was 15.

“I got scouted playing for the county team and Southend asked me in for a trial,” said Wabo.

“I scored a hat-trick and they signed me straight away.”