SOUTHEND United’s first millennial star, Dru Yearwood, is eager to keep on shining for the Shrimpers.

The energetic 17-year-old midfielder has caught the eye in back-to-back wins since Chris Powell’s appointment as Blues boss.

And Yearwood is determined to reward the faith being shown in him by the new manager.

“The manager has been great,” said Yearwood, who does not turn 18 until later this month.

“He’s always talking to me and I know he’s always trying to help me improve, so I’m really enjoying it.

“I think when you’re 17 you learn so much in every game you play but I want to make sure I keep this going and do all I can to stay in the side for longer.”

Yearwood played a key part in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Peterborough United.

But he was forced to show composure in the second half after being shown a yellow card for a mistimed tackle on former Blues midfielder Anthony Grant.

“I think I maybe showed a little bit of inexperience to get booked in the first place but Michael Timlin was a big help to me after that,” said Yearwood.

“He’s an experienced midfielder and he was telling me ways to make sure I stayed out of the way of the referee’s vision and I was able to get through the game fine.

“It was a good performance from everyone and it was great to get a win away from home because we haven’t had one for a while.”

The victory saw the Shrimpers move up to 15th in the League One table.

And Yearwood, who came through the club’s youth system, now wants to make it three wins in a row against table-topping Wigan this weekend.

“Wigan will be very tough but we’re looking forward to it,” said Yearwood.

“We will work hard in training and will be giving it our all.”

Yearwood will again be looking to impress and earn more praise from Powell.

“Dru is only 17 but the performance he put in was clever and mature after being booked,” said Powell.

“I’ve been impressed by him but he has a long way to go so I hope he doesn’t read this because his head might get big!”