SOUTHEND United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop insists he will not be getting carried away by his stunning showing against Gillingham.

The 19-year-old shot-stopper produced a memorable man of the match display to help the Shrimpers see off the Gills 2-0 at Roots Hall on New Year’s Day.

But, despite remaining on a high, Bishop is now focusing on making sure he can continue to impress.

“Of course I enjoyed the game and I was so excited because it was all new but now I have to work even harder to make sure I can play well in the next game if I’m selected,” said Bishop.

“I was buzzing after the game and it went well for me but it was just one game and I have to try and back that up now.

“We have another important game coming up against Plymouth and I want to make sure I’m ready for it.”

Bishop - who has replaced the injured Mark Oxley between the sticks - has started the last four games for the Shrimpers.

And he was central to the game’s dramatic conclusion against the Gills as he gathered Connor Ogilvie’s shot, the Gills insisted had crossed the line, before launching a counter attack which led to Taylor Moore’s late goal.

“I was just flapping around on the floor trying to keep the ball out and I honestly didn’t think it went in,” said Bishop.

“When I got up I saw all 10 Gillingham players were nearby and I was certain I hadn’t heard a whistle so I just threw it out and hoped we would get away with it.

“Thankfully play continued and we got the goal to seal an important win.

“But I was petrified for a few seconds so my feelings suddenly went from one extreme to the other.”

Bishop has been with Blues since the age of 16.

But he actually played as a centre-back until just before he joined the Shrimpers on trial.

“I only really played as a goalkeeper when I was in Year 11 at school,” said Bishop.

“I was t centre-back who just kicked it and headed it for my Sunday League team.

“I went in goal sometimes and from doing that I was asked to play for another team on a Saturday as a goalkeeper.

“It all went from there and I’ve been in goal ever since.”