JASON Demetriou feels things are on the up for Southend United.

The Shrimpers midfielder slotted home a penalty to help Sol Campbell’s side draw 2-2 with Rotherham United at Roots Hall.

And Demetriou is confident Blues are starting to improve.

“The performances are getting better and the confidence is coming too,” said the 32-year-old.

“It was disappointing the goals we gave away but I still felt as though we showed a different side to us.

“We dug in for the final 20 minutes when they were coming at us and it’s a great point.”

Blues remain second from bottom in the standings and have still triumphed just once in League One all season.

But Demetriou was encouraged by how the Shrimpers battled back from going a goal down in the first half.

“We always felt we were in the game and it was a positive our heads didn’t go down when we went behind,” said Demetriou.

“We believed we could get back in it and we did.”

Demetriou brought Blues back level from the penalty spot at the start of the second half.

But the Cyprus international was feeling the pressure before hitting the back of the net for the first time since scoring against Blackpool in November 2018.

“Normally I don’t feel the pressure taking the penalties but I did a little bit this time,” said Demetriou.

“I was just glad it went in and we dug deep after that too.”

However, Demetriou is fully aware the Shrimpers must continue to give their all if they are to pull off a great escape act.

“We know our standards and we have to be at it,” said Demetriou.

“We’re enjoying this formation but you have to work hard to stay in the team and that’s good. Maybe we did come off it a bit individually, myself and all of us. We know what we have to do to get in the team and to stay in there too.”