CANVEY Island goalkeeper Harry Palmer is relishing going head to head with training colleague Harry Seaden tonight.

Palmer trains full time with the Shrimpers, alongside Seaden who is currently on loan at Great Wakering Rovers.

And Palmer is looking forward to lining up against Seaden in tonight’s Bostik North clash at Burroughs Park.

“It’s always good when you play against people you know so I’m looking forward to the game tonight,” said Palmer.

“H has been doing well at Wakering by all accounts and I know first hand that he’s a really good young goalkeeper.

“It will do him the world of good going out for his first loan spell in men’s football and I’m glad he’s doing well.

“But obviously from my point of view it’s all about making sure Canvey get the win tonight and that’s all that matters.”

Palmer has been in fine form between the sticks for the Gulls this season after signing from Brightlingsea in the summer in pursuit of regular first team football.

But the 22-year-old, who is based in Billericay, combines playing for Canvey with training every day at the Shrimpers.

And Palmer feels teaming up with Blues has been hugely beneficial for his form.

“I’m in at Southend every day and it’s been fantastic for me,” said Palmer.

“I’m hugely thankful to (goalkeeping coach) Lee Harrison for the opportunity and it’s been hugely beneficial for me.

“Obviously facing Simon Cox in training is completely different to facing a striker from Barking but it’s great to be training with League One players.”

And Palmer has particularly enjoyed teaming up with Blues’ goalkeepers.

“There’s a great group of keepers at Southend and we all get on really well too which definitely helps,” said Palmer.

“Nathan (Bishop) has been doing brilliantly and has to be the youngest keeper in the League.

“I’m a similar age to Ted who is also a top keeper and Mark Oxley’s confidence rubs off on all of us.

“We all look up to him given the number of games he’s played and what he’s achieved so it works well.”

But Palmer, who was with West Ham United as a youth team player, is also keen to work his way up the leagues.

“I’m ambitious myself but right now I’m really happy being at Canvey,” said Palmer.

“I feel like I’m having a good season but we dropped three points against Aveley at the weekend and want to make sure we bounce back against Wakering.

“We need the win.”