SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell felt Isaac Hutchinson fully deserved his first League start for the Shrimpers.

The 18-year-old lined up out wide for Blues against Gillingham this afternoon.

And Powell was pleased to hand Hutchinson an opportunity to impress. 

“Isaac has earned his opportunity,” said Powell.

“Sometimes it won’t go their way and it’s always a big call whenever you pick a young player.

“But you have to give them a chance and I think Isaac has made a bit of an impact.

"He did well when he came on at Coventry and without actually properly asking me you’ve been saying you want to be in the team.

"I gave him a go and he acquitted himself well. The pace of the game he will have to get used to but he should be proud of himself.”

Hutchinson, who joined Blues in the summer after being released by Brighton & Hove Albion, played an hour in the Shrimpers' 2-0 win against the Gills at Roots Hall.