SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell felt Isaac Hutchinson's League debut was a reward for his hard work this season.

Hutchinson replaced Theo Robinson in the dying seconds of Saturday's 3-0 win against Accrington Stanley.

And Powell is confident Hutchinson will feature even more during the second half of the season.

"I was hoping to get Isaac on a bit earlier than we did but his League debut was definitely a reward for his hard work and how well he's been playing in the under 23s," said Powell.

"He's scored six goals in his last two games and when that happens I take notice.

"He needs to keep on working hard, which I'm sure he will, and he's someone we could see a lot more of in the second half of the season."

Hutchinson has also made three appearances for Blues in the Checkatrade Trophy this season, scoring on his debut against Cambridge United.