SOUTHEND United defender Elvis Bwomono will be bidding for more happy memories at Gillingham tomorrow.

The 19-year-old right-back made his first team debut for the Shrimpers at the Priestfield Stadium last season.

And Bwomono cannot wait to head back to the Kent club this weekend.

“When you make your debut you remember everything about it so the ground is always going to be a special one for me,” said Bwomono.

“I can remember it all and it was a big night for me but obviously the disappointing thing was the result.

“Hopefully on Saturday it will be completely different and we can get the victory.”

Bwomono again looks set to start for the Shrimpers at the Priestfield Stadium in place of Jason Demetriou, who is away on international duty with Cyprus.

And the youngster is keen to keep on making a good impression.

“However I get my chance I have to be ready and make sure I take the opportunity,” said Bwomono.

“Whether I play because Jason is on international duty or whatever I have to be able to come in and prove my worth, which is exactly what I’ll be looking to do if I’m picked.”

Bwomono - who came through the youth ranks at Roots Hall - has now made 20 appearances for the Shrimpers’ first team.

But he is now getting used to lining up as a right wing-back.

“I’m still learning all the time in whatever role I play because I’m a young player but playing at wing-back is something different,” said Bwomono.

“I like to see myself as a modern day full-back so I like to get forward and the principles are still the same.

“It’s a bit more attacking but I don’t mind that at all.”

Bwomono played in that role in Tuesday night’s 2-0 defeat at Colchester United in the Checkatrade Trophy.

And he remains disappointed by the setback.

“As a team we were frustrated because whether or not it’s the League, the FA Cup or the Checkatrade Trophy, we want to play well and win,” said Bwomono.

“But there’s always a chance to bounce back and we have that at Gillingham on Saturday.”

But the defender is expecting another tough test.

“Gillingham will be a hard game but we’ve prepared well,” said Bwomono.

“We want to go there and get the three points to keep our good run in the League going.”