LOUIS Walsh is determined to make the most of his switch to Southend United.

The winger has signed for the Shrimpers until the end of next season.

And the 20-year-old, who was on the bench against Colchester United on Boxing Day, cannot wait to get started.

“I’m delighted and it’s been a long time coming," said Walsh.

"I’ve been waiting for this opportunity of first team football and the chance to show what I can do on a bigger platform than before.

“It’s something that I’ve been pushing for, for a long time.

"I felt like I should have had opportunities elsewhere which didn’t come and that’s football.

“I’ve moved on and I’m delighted this has come up.”

The former Barnsley winger trained with Blues earlier this season and feels fit enough to immediately be called upon by manager Mark Molesley.

“It’s the fittest I’ve been in a while," said Walsh.

"Last season I struggled for minutes at times, but this season I’ve been playing a lot.

"I've got six or seven games of 90 minutes under my belt now so I feel fit.”