TOM Clifford is keen to push on at Southend United after completing a successful loan spell with Concord Rangers.

The left-back spent the last three months with the National League South side.

And he is now keen to kick on with Blues.

“I really enjoyed my time at Concord but now I’m back with Southend I want to try and push on,” said Clifford.

“Hopefully I can get a chance to play at some point but whether or not that happens I’ll keep working hard and I’ll keep patient too. I’ll see what happens but I’ve definitely been helped by my time with Concord and I’d like to thank everyone there for making it so enjoyable.”

Clifford earned rave reviews while with Concord. And the 20-year-old feels playing men’s football more regularly has helped to develop his game.

“I feel the loan helped me because you’re playing for three points every Saturday and you’re playing against men and some good players every single week,” said Clifford.

“It’s different to playing for the under-23s and it’s more intense and physical but I much prefer that. There’s more to play for but you also don’t get as much time on the ball so I definitely feel as though I’ve improved as a player by going there.”

Clifford - who also spent time on loan at Bishop’s Stortford when he was 18 - has been with Blues since the age of eight and will now be hoping for a chance to impress first team boss Sol Campbell.

The Shrimpers are currently short of options on the left hand side of their defence with Nathan Ralph ruled out for the rest of the season with a dislocated shoulder.

Harry Lennon - who had been filling in for Ralph - has also been ruled out for the rest of the season with a broken leg while Harry Kyprianou has been out with an Achilles problem since November 2018.

Clifford - who made his first team debut for Blues as a late substitute at Oxford United on Boxing Day in 2018 - is keen for more chances.

And he came back to Roots Hall after Concord’s Mickey O’Donoghue returned to full fitness.

“Concord’s left-back came back from injury so there was no point in keeping us both,” said Clifford.

“I wish Concord all the best too.”