RICKY Duncan is targeting a top three finish with Southend United’s youth team this season.

The young Shrimpers kick off the new campaign against Stevenage at the Boots & Laces training ground tomorrow morning.

And Duncan insists the side are raring to go after working hard throughout pre-season.

“The players were in good shape when they reported back in and have trained hard since then too,” said Duncan.

“We’ve put in some good performances and picked up some good results so we’ll be hoping for more of the same throughout the campaign.

“Obviously at youth level it’s about developing the players but we always want to try and finish in the top three and enjoy a good cup run and that’s what the players have said they want to achieve this year.”

Duncan also insisted that Blues’ upcoming players had also been boosted by seeing the likes of Daniel Bentley and Jack Payne come through the youth system to be given opportunities in the first team.

“I think there’s a real buzz among the squad because they can now see a clear pathway to the first team now,” said Duncan.

“In the past they might not have seen that and it could have been difficult but from watching the likes of Daniel Bentley and Jack Payne on Tuesday night against Yeovil it gives them a boost.

“Ted Smith and Jordan Williams got a little bit of involvement with the first team in pre-season and Jason Williams and Josh Banton have done a few days training with them, so they are all raring for the season to get started now.”

The under 18 team will also be captained by promising goalkeeper Ted Smith.

And Duncan has already been impressed by the way he had dealt with the added responsibility.

“Ted is an excellent leader and probably one of the best I’ve had since I’ve been at Southend,” said Duncan.

“He’s reliable off the pitch just as he is on it and makes sure the lads are doing what they should be when the coaches aren’t around.

“Ted is a very good goalkeeper and seeing Daniel Bentley doing so well for the first-team will give him the confidence to play well for us and try and push on.”