ANTHONY Straker wants his impressive pre-season displays to be a sign of things to come at Southend United.

The 24-year-old drifted in and out of the team during his first campaign at Roots Hall and struggled to find his best form on a consistent basis.

But Straker has been among Blues’ best players in their warm up matches so far, playing on the left hand side of midfield.

And he is now aiming to maintain that level of performance when the League Two season gets underway at the start of August.

“Last season I was in and out and it was a bit stop start for me but I want to be at my best on a more consistent basis this year,” said Straker, who played at left back for most of the previous campaign.

“I’ve played left wing in the past and I’ve enjoyed playing there again in pre-season.

“I feel as though it’s gone well for me and I’ve been able to link up quite well with Ben Coker.

“He’s a really good signing for us but I know I have to keep on playing well if I’m to be in the manager’s plans for the first game of the season against Plymouth.”

Straker scored a stunning strike in Monday’s 1-1 draw at Chelmsford City.

The former Aldershot Town man collected a through ball from Freddy Eastwood before rifling a left foot shot in to the top right hand corner of the net.

And, having not scored in a competitive game since January 2012, Straker is now also aiming to hit the back of the net more regularly.

“I would certainly like to start chipping in with a few goals,” said Straker.

“When I scored against Chelmsford the lads were all laughing and asking where that came from because they haven’t seen me score before.

“I’ve not struck many shots like that before and it’s certainly something I’ll use to make me smile again whenever times get tough.”

Blues boss Phil Brown has also been impressed by Straker since pushing him on to the left wing.

And he feels Straker could be well suited for his new role.

“Like Gareth Bale Anthony’s gone from left back to left wing and has done well,” said Brown.

“We thought pre-season would be a chance to have a real look at him further forward and I think we could’ve found his best position now.”