SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell insists Elvis Bwomono has a bright future with Blues - despite leaving the right-back out of the squad at Scunthorpe United on Tuesday night.

Bwomono had started the previous 19 games before heading to Glanford Park.

But Powell opted to line up with the fit-again Jason Demetriou against the Iron.

"Elvis has had a lot of games," said the Blues boss.

"I’ve got a lot of time for him and he’s done really well for us.

"But I just felt we needed to get Jason Demetriou back and I thought we had enough on the pitch and the bench for us not to need a full-back on the bench.

"But he’s been terrific and he’s going to have a good career."

And Powell feels the run of games will have hugely benefitted Bwomono.

"He’s been exposed to a lot of games in a really tough period," said Powell.

"Normally youngsters are in and out but he’s had to learn on the job and learn some harsh lessons.

"It will stand him in good stead in the future and he’s very much part of the future for this team too."