MARC-ANTOINE Fortune is desperate to build on his impressive full debut for Southend United.

The Frenchman bagged the only goal of the game in the Shrimpers’ 1-0 win against Leyton Orient in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.

And the 35-year-old is now keen to make his fine showing at Roots Hall the sign of things to come.

“I’m not here for a holiday, I’m here to add something to the team and Tuesday was a good start,” said Fortune.

“I was happy to score the goal and to get the win for the team but we need to keep doing it now.

“Saturday at Rochdale is another difficult game because they are a strong team and we want to play well there too.

“It’s an away game so we need to go there not to lose and then do everything we can to get the three points.”

Fortune will be pushing for a start at the Spotland Stadium this weekend.

And he heads into the game happy to have netted so early on in his Shrimpers career.

“It’s always a good thing to score on your first start so I was really pleased, especially as we won,” said Fortune.

“It was a really good night for everyone.

“We battled to the end and it was important we scored first which is what we managed to do.”

Fortune’s goal came eight minutes from time at Roots Hall.

And the former Celtic frontman feels he is starting to developing a good understanding with his new team-mates.

“I feel like I’m starting to get a connection with the players on the pitch,” said Fortune. “We’re learning how each other play which is good and I’ve settled in here well.

“I’ve been training with Southend for a while and my team-mates have really welcomed me in so I’m very happy.”

And Fortune was also delighted to have lasted the full 90 minutes against Orient.

“I felt tired after playing a full game but it was good to play that long because you need to get that match rhythm,” said Fortune, who last played the full 90 minutes of a first team game back in March.

“I’ve been working hard on the training ground to get fitter and I’ve also been practising the kind of skills which worked for the goal against Leyton Orient.

“It was a nice feeling to see it go in and I’m really looking forward to the rest of the season now.

“I want to keep on doing well.”