SOUTHEND United right back Elvis Bwomono has spoken of his pride after being named in Uganda’s squad for a training camp in Dubai.

The 21-year-old right back received his first call up for his country back in March, only for the games to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But Bwomono cannot wait to finally link up with his international team-mates as they begin to prepare for next month’s Africa Nations Cup qualifiers against South Sudan.

"It’s a proud honour for me and especially my family,” said Bwomono, who came through the youth ranks at Roots Hall.

"Growing up as a kid you want to put a smile on the face of your parents, and this is something that I wanted to do for myself and them.

"It was very pleasing that I get the chance to come out and appear for my national team because I was going to go in March, but coronavirus stopped that happening.

"It was devastating at the time but obviously now the games are going ahead in November and I’m out here for the training camp now.

"The Africa Cup of Nations is the pinnacle of football in Africa and something I want to represent my country in."

Bwomono will spend the next 10 days training in Dubai, forcing him out of Blues’ next two matches against Portsmouth, in the EFL Trophy and Saturday’s League Two clash with Exeter City.

And that has left Shrimpers boss Mark Molesley with mixed emotions.

“It’s fantastic for Elvis,” said Molesley.

“He’s a proud young man and I know what an honour it is for him and we need to fully support him in this.

"It’s a great for him and another feather in the cap for the club to show how well they’ve done with another young player.

"It’s great for him but frustrating for us because we can ill-afford another player to be missing and, unfortunately, he won’t be with us for the next 10 days.

"It’s fantastic on one hand but slightly frustrating on the other that we’re going to be missing a key player.

“But look, it’s great for the club and it shows how well they’ve done with another young talent.”