ISAAC Hutchinson is happy to have hit the ground running at Southend United.

The 18-year-old midfielder joined the Shrimpers this summer after impressing on trial towards the end of last season.

And Hutchinson - who had previously been with Brighton & Hove Albion for eight years - is pleased to have made a positive start with Blues after scoring twice in the under-23 team’s 3-1 win at Aveley.

“It’s obviously a pre-season game but I was so happy to get my first goals for Southend,” said Hutchinson.

“I’m really pleased to have come here and it’s a good way to have started but I have to make sure I build on this now.”

Hutchinson - who prefers to play in a central attacking midfield position but can also play out wide - netted a well taken brace against Aveley.

But he first caught the eye of Blues’ academy manager Ricky Duncan during a specially arranged match between trialists.

“The club put on a game which featured players who had just been released and Ricky spoke to me then,” said Hutchinson.

“He asked me in for a couple of games which I played for the under-23s last season and then they offered me a deal after that, which was great.”

Hutchinson has since signed a year-long deal with the Shrimpers and is currently enjoying training in the Netherlands with Kevin Maher’s team.

“It’s been good and being with everyone 24/7 has helped me get to know them all, which will help me as well,” said Hutchinson.

“I’ve already settled in well though and it’s a good group to have come into.”

Hutchinson will now be aiming to become a regular in the Blues’ under-23 side and build on the promise he has already shown in his fledging career.

“When I was an under-16 player I was invited to an England training camp,” said Hutchinson.

“It was the group that went on to win the under-17 World Cup so it was a great experience and one I really enjoyed.”

But Hutchinson is now focusing on the domestic game and could be set for an interesting family rivalry with his younger brother Jake this season.

“My brother has been with Colchester and they’ve just offered him a scholarship,” said Hutchinson.

“It looks like we will both be in Essex this season.”