HAVING waited more than a year for his first Southend United start, goalkeeper Steve Collis is now hoping to keep his place in the side.

The former Yeovil Town shot-stopper was an unlikely hero during Tuesday night's Carling Cup triumph over Cheltenham Town as he saved a last minute John Finnigan penalty to take the match to extra time.

Blues eventually went on to win 4-1 and Collis is now keen to be given further opportunities to impress.

"I don't know what the manager will decide to do for the Leeds game on Saturday now," said the 26-year-old who replaced the ill Darryl Flahavan between the sticks against the Robins.

"The main thing was that I was able to come in and show what I can do and it was certainly a good game to start off with."

Collis joined the Shrimpers during the summer of 2006 but made just one substitute appearance, away at Queen's Park Rangers, during his first campaign at the club.

He also endured a long spell on the sidelines with appendicitis and admitted it was a disappointing spell.

"It wasn't nice being injured and not involved," said Collis.

"I was out for a large chunk and all that makes finally getting a game even more pleasing. I always knew it would be hard to dislodge Darryl because he's a fantastic goalkeeper who has done a really good job for Southend over a number of years now.

"But it would be nice if I could stay in the side."

If selected, Collis should also have more time to prepare at Elland Road this weekend as he only found out three minutes before kick that he would be playing against Cheltenham.

"I came back into the changing room after the warm up and was told I was playing," said Collis.

"It was certainly all a bit of a shock and I had to quickly find my stuff and get ready."

It did not do any damage though as Collis rose to the occasion, memorably palming away Finnigan's last gasp spot kick.

"I didn't realise that it was virtually the last kick of the game," he said.

"I thought there was still five or 10 minutes to go but it was still nice to keep it out. My record of saving penalties is quite good but I must thank my coach Lee Turner for this one because he gave me some really good information about their penalty taker which proved to be correct."