SOUTHEND United goalkeeper Josh Bexon is thrilled to be heading to FC Kitzbuhel on loan.

The 19-year-old shot-stopper will spend the next six months with the Austrian outfit.

And Bexon cannot wait to make the move.

“I’m flying out on Saturday and I think it’s going to be great,” said Bexon.

“I went out for three or four days at the end of last season and was really impressed.

“The pitches were lovely and the facilities were really good too.

“The standard of football was also excellent with the team looking to play out from the back.

“I was really impressed by everything there so when I found out there was an opportunity to go back for a loan spell it was a no brainer for me really.

“I jumped at the chance and I’m really looking forward to it now.”

Bexon - who has been with Blues for the past three years - was on the bench 18 times for Southend’s first team last season.

The custodian also signed his first professional contract with the club last week.

But he now feels he needs to make the step into men’s football to develop his career.

“I think this loan spell is exactly what I need,” said Bexon.

“I’m at the stage now where I think I need to be playing men’s football where there is more at stake and points to be played for.

“The under 21s is good but I want to push on and I think I need to do that to improve so this loan spell is definitely going to be good for me.”

Bexon will be eager to impress while with the Austrians.

But he also thinks the move will be of benefit off the pitch.

“I think I’m going to learn a lot of life skills while I’m out there,” said Bexon.

“I’ve only ever lived at home or in digs so it’s going to be something new for me.

“I’ve not lived on my own before so this is definitely going to make me grow up but I see that as a good thing.”

Blues striker Dan Walker could also be heading to FC Kitzbuhel on loan and will train with the club next week.