BILEL Mohsni’s hunger for success secured Southend United a 1-0 opening day win over Hereford, despite the Frenchman fasting for Ramadan.

The devout Muslim cannot eat during daylight hours until the end of the month.

But he was still able to head home the only goal of the game at Roots Hall on Saturday.

“It is quite hard at the moment because sometimes I feel like I have no energy when I play, but it was good to score to help us win,” said Mohsni, who headed home an early right wing cross from Ryan Hall.

“Sometimes I feel normal. but I’m lucky because the manager is 100 per cent behind me and fully understands how important my religion is.

“He has said I can just train in the mornings and not the afternoons to keep my energy levels high and I’m thankful for his support.

“I would like to think I repaid him by scoring the goal to help us win and we’re all very pleased to start the season with the three points.”

The fasting is intended to teach Muslims about patience, spirituality, humility and submissiveness to God.

But it did not seem to affect Mohsni against the Bulls.

He again played as a makeshift striker alongside Neil Harris and was delighted to score.

“It was a fantastic cross from Hally and I just had to put my head on it to make sure it went in,” said Mohsni.

FULL STORY IN MONDAY'S ECHO