ALAN McCormack wants to spark his season into life with a goal against Oldham Athletic on Saturday.

The Irish midfielder, who was training to be an electrician before the start of his footballing career in England, has yet to hit the back of the net this term.

But he is determined to break his duck when the Latics visit Roots Hall this weekend.

“I seem to be getting the chances and shots on target in each game but they aren’t going in for me right now,” said McCormack.

“It would be nice to change that against Oldham on Saturday and I’m sure that once one goes in others will follow.

“I’m not letting it get to me too much but it would be great to soon start scoring again.”

McCormack’s next opportunity will come against the Latics and his chances of scoring have been boosted by the current make-up of the Southend midfield which includes the more defensive minded Anthony Grant and Jean-Francois Christophe.

“With Granty and Jeff in there it gives Franck Moussa and me the chance to get forward,” said McCormack.

“We know that they are able to cover for us and they are excellent at breaking up moves so it’s working well and we’re also able to swap around positions if required.

“We’re playing well and getting good results.”

Blues have been beaten just once in the league this season and are currently eighth in the table.

And McCormack believes the form has been down to the players sticking together and focusing on their football.

“There has been a lot of things going on at the club and plenty of speculation but we can’t worry about that,” he said.

“We just have to forget all about that and get on with the games which is what we’ve done.”

If things had worked out differently though, McCormack could well have been working away from football as an electrician.

“I never actually did it but I had earned my apprenticeship before I came over to England but I’m pleased with the way things have worked out,” he added.