JON Benton has battled back from two broken feet to earn his first professional contract with Southend United.

The promising midfielder, who has been with Blues since the age of eight, admitted it was a dream come true to be offered terms to stay at Roots Hall.

But it was been far from straightforward for Benton.

“It had been a struggle with the injuries but I knew I had come back from it once so I could do it again,” said Benton, 19.

“The week before we stopped training I came back into full training and I’m feeling as fit as ever now.

“Getting the contract is a dream come true for me and I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running, pushing on and getting back to playing again now.”