Jonson Clarke-Harris out to make name for himself at Southend United after signing on loan from Peterborough United (From Echo)

Jonson Clarke-Harris out to make name for himself at Southend United after signing on loan from Peterborough United

1:32pm Tuesday 16th October 2012 in Blues By Chris Phillips

JONSON Clarke-Harris is out to make a name for himself with Southend United.

The 18-year-old striker is with Blues on an initial month-long loan deal from Peterborough United.

And he is determined to make the most of his opportunity at Roots Hall.

“At this point in my career I need to go and get some games, experience and goals,” said Clarke-Harris, who made his league debut as a late substitute at Rotherham United on Saturday.

“Everyone else at Peterborough had the weekend off due to the internationals being played but I wanted to get out and play and hopefully I’ll do that here.

“It’s a good chance for me and one I want to take because I think it will do me good.

“You look at someone like Britt Assombalonga and how well he’s done on loan and it means he will be flying when he goes back to Watford.

“He’ll be pushing for a place and I’d love to be able to do the same.”

Clarke-Harris’s next chance to impress will come this Saturday when Southend visit Morecambe.

And, given the choice, the youngster would prefer to be selected up front.

“I prefer to play as a striker but I’ll play another position if I have to,” said Clarke-Harris, who can also play on the left wing or at left-back.

“I just want to be playing because that’s when I’m happy.

“I’ve been in the reserves with Plymouth and on the bench a couple of times this year.

“But I need games and experience.”

Clarke-Harris will train with the Blues squad for the first time today and is looking forward to getting to know his new team-mates.

“I just got on the coach at Peterborough services on the way to Rotherham so it will be nice to train with them, but I’m a nice character so I can fit in well with anyone,” said Clarke-Harris.

“I won’t have a bad attitude and from watching the team at Rotherham on Saturday I think I’m suited to the way they play.

“I want to be involved and Kane Ferdinand, who is at Peterborough now, has told me I must do the number 12 shirt at Southend proud because it’s the one he used to wear and that’s something I will be able to do.