Jason Demetriou keen to kick on with Southend United

Demetriou’s red card for a late challenge while in international action with Cyprus went vital on the internet towards the end of last week.

But the Shrimpers right-back felt the challenge looked far worse than he ever intended.

“I didn’t mean to take him down like that, I was just trying to stop them breaking away because it was three against two,” said Demetriou.

“I didn’t mean to hurt him or anything like that and I’m glad he hasn’t got an injury but it got me a lot of press I didn’t really want.

“When I turned my phone back on after the game a few of my mates had text me to say my red card was all over the internet but I really didn’t mean to catch him like that.”

Demetriou will discover the length of his resulting international suspension later this week.

But he has already switched his sights back to the Shrimpers and tonight’s clash against his former team Walsall.

“Walsall are having a good season so far and they seem to be bringing through younger players again,” said Demetriou.

“I’m sure it’s going to be a tough game for us but if we’re on it then we’re confident we can win, just like we are against anyone in this League.”

Demetriou will also be hoping to be recalled to the starting line-up for this evening’s encounter at Roots Hall.

But the 30-year-old had no complaints being on the bench against Coventry at the weekend.

“I completely understood the decision and it was quite clever from the manager too,” said Demetriou.

“He knew what kind of week I’d had and I also knew how well the boys had done while I was away.

“It’s also good to use the squad to keep people fresh so it made sense but it was a frustrating afternoon.”

However, Demetriou is still confident the Shrimpers can succeed this season.

“I don’t think we’ve been outplayed and whenever we’ve lost it’s been of our own doing really,” said the defender.

“We have a very good team but if you take your foot off the gas in this League you get punished.”