HARRY Kyprianou is keen to build on his impressive Southend United debut.

The 19-year-old scored the Shrimpers’ second goal in Tuesday night’s 2-0 win against Brighton & Hove Albion’s under-23 team in the Checkatrade Trophy at Roots Hall.

And the left-back is now hopeful of securing more first team opportunities.

“I thought I had a decent game so hopefully I can get more chances now and push those in the first team for a position,” said Kyprianou, who joined Blues from Watford in September 2015.

“I’m very happy with how it went on Tuesday.

“It was good to get the win and to also score a goal was great.

“I hadn’t scored a single goal for Southend before, not in the under-21s or anything, so it was a nice surprise.

“I scored one or two at Watford but I don’t get too many so I was really pleased to see it go in, even though I did get a bit of a luck with a deflection.”

Kyprianou fired home after Will Atkinson’s left-wing cross had been cleared into his path.

But the defender was also pleased to have helped the Shrimpers shut out the Seagulls’ youngsters at the other end of the field.

“It was also good to keep a clean sheet which is always the main thing when you’re defending in a back four or five,” said Kyprianou.

“It was pleasing that we did that and it was good for me as well to have some experienced defenders at the back.

“Anton Ferdinand was very vocal. He’s a real leader and was a big help, and so was Adam Thompson, who was closest to me and is someone I also know from our Watford days.”

Kyprianou - who was named on the bench for the Hornets when aged just 16 - was called up by Phil Brown after a series of impressive displays in Blues’ under-21 team.

The defender also excelled while on loan at Lowestoft Town in the Conference North towards the end of last season, winning five man of the match awards in 14 games.

And he was delighted to finally make his senior debut for the Shrimpers.

“I was really excited when I found out I was in the team,” said Kyprianou.

“I know I’m only 19 but I had been waiting a while for the chance and felt as though it was one I was ready for.

“It was also really good that Jordan (Williams) and Dan (Matsuzaka) both got on as well, so it was a good night for the club’s academy.”