SOUTHEND United striker Charlie Kelman is keen to kick on after helping to fire the Shrimpers back to winning ways.

Kelman bagged Blues’ first goal in their 2-1 triumph at Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

And, having now scored five times in five starts this season, the 18-year-old is hoping for more opportunities to impress.

“I want to play games,” said Kelman.

“I know I can handle myself and this is my dream to be a professional footballer.

“I want to play at every opportunity but I know I’m still only 18.

“If I play I’ll give 110 per cent but if I do or don’t I’ll still be learning and listening to what the gaffer and management want from me.”

Kelman was joined on the score-sheet by Jason Demetriou at the weekend as the Shrimpers secured their first League One victory since beating MK Dons in September.

The young striker has now scored in both Blues’ League victories this season.

And Kelman thoroughly enjoyed Southend’s latest success.

“It was good to get a win again,” said Kelman.

“I thought we deserved it after the results in recent weeks and so did the fans. They travel up and down the country so they deserved that win as well . Hopefully we can all kick on from here and start climbing the table

“The win will definitely improve the confidence and will show that we can finish off games.”

Kelman has already shown off his own finishing skills but was keen to praise Tom Hopper for his part in his latest effort.

“Hops did the hard work,” said Kelman.

“He set me perfectly on my right foot and all I had to do was hit the back of the net.

“It was one of those shots you just knew was in from the moment it left my foot but I love scoring goals and it will never get boring.”

The goal came in Kelman’s first start since injuring his ankle against Accrington in September. But that did not add to the striker’s delight.

“To be honest the injury was just an accident and injuries happen in football,” said Kelman.

“My job is just to score goals no matter who we are playing and help us win games.”

>BLUES’ under 23 side are in action at Oxford United this afternoon.

Goalkeeper Nathan Bishop and winger Sam Barratt are both expected to feature.