Southend United's Bilel Mohsni wants to play at a higher level and is on trial with West Ham United (From Echo)

Southend United's Bilel Mohsni wants to play at a higher level and is on trial with West Ham United

10:54am Wednesday 18th July 2012 in npower League Two Table & Results Exclusive By Chris Phillips

BILEL Mohsni has revealed he is keen to quit Southend United in order to play at a higher level.

The 24-year-old’s future had been in doubt after he failed to return for pre-season training with Blues.

But the Frenchman has now confirmed he feels the time is right to leave Roots Hall .

And he will today begin a trial with Premier League newcomers West Ham United.

“I think that after two years with Southend it is time for me to move on because I want to play at another level,” said Mohsni, who has made 71 appearances for Southend.

“I’m nearly 25 now so I’m not young anymore and I want to try and play as high up as I can.

“I could only have another three or four years in the game and I want to do the best that I can during the time.

"If I was 18 then I would definitely stay at Southend and play more matches to get experience.

“However, I want to move on and I now have a chance to earn a transfer to the biggest league with West Ham, which hopefully I can make the most of.”

Mohsni will train with the Hammers for the first time this morning and is also expected to line up for Sam Allardyce’s side in their pre-season friendly at Colchester United on Saturday.

And Mohsni is determined to impress against the U’s for a variety of reasons.

“It’s a big game for me and I want to put in a good performance and show what I can do,” said Mohsni.

“It would be nice to get a goal and if I do I’ll dedicate it to all the Southend fans because I know they don’t really like Colchester.”

FULL STORY IN WEDNESDAY'S ECHO