LUKE Hyam is determined to make up for lost time at Southend United.

The midfielder made his first League start since the opening day of the season when helping the Shrimpers to see off Scunthorpe United 2-0 at Roots Hall on Tuesday night.

And Hyam, who endured an injury-hit start to his spell with Southend, is now keen to keep on playing a prominent role in the centre of the park.

“Hopefully as a team we can build on the win against Scunthorpe and hopefully I can do the same too,” said Hyam.

“It’s obviously been frustrating getting the injuries because when you come to a new club the best way to get fully integrated is to be playing.

“I had a good pre-season as well and started the first game of the season only to then be sidelined.

“But I feel good again now and hope the injuries are behind me so I can keep on helping the team to get more good results.”

Hyam was forced onto the sidelines by hamstring and ankle injuries before returning to action against Southampton in the Checkatrade Trophy.

The 27-year-old, who joined Blues in the summer after leaving Ipswich Town, also started the FA Cup clash at Crawley Town before making his League return against Scunthorpe.

And Hyam was thrilled to make it a winning comeback as Blues ended a run of four successive League defeats.

“We needed the three points and just like the manager said it didn’t really matter how they came,” said the midfielder.

“It was scrappy at times but we got the result and despite the injury list we have, which is obviously gutting, I do still feel we have the players to keep on working our way up the table.”

Hyam will now be looking to help Blues beat Barnsley in the second round of the FA Cup at Roots Hall on Saturday.

And Shrimpers boss Chris Powell is thrilled to have the midfielder available again.

“Luke brings experience to the team and he keeps things ticking over too,” said Powell.

“He has an edge to him as well which I like and he did a sterling job for the team on Tuesday.

“He’s had a couple of injuries but hopefully now he can get himself ready and be a bonus for us.

“I’m pleased for him.”