SOUTHEND United's youth team coach Danny Heath has spoken of his pride after seeing midfielder Oli Coker make his League debut.

The 18-year-old played the final two minutes in place of Terrell Egbri during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Newport County at Roots Hall.

But Heath now wants Coker to build on his fleeting appearance.

"I’m over the moon for Oli and you hope it’s just the start of his journey and career as a professional footballer," said Heath.

"For me that’s why the academy is here and it's always a proud moment for all of us when someone comes through to play for the first team but hopefully this is just the start for him.

"Oli’s challenge now is to keep on working hard like he does do every day.

"But the message to him is to make this the start because it’s not really until you’ve had 100 appearances that you can be regarded as a professional footballer."

Coker, who also made two first team appearances in the EFL Trophy, has long been highly rated at Roots Hall.

And the Hockley based youngster has already been with the club for quite some time.

“Oli’s been here since the under nines,” said Heath.

“I went full time here in July 2013 when Oli would’ve been in the foundation stage.

“He’s come through the academy and I’ve worked with him all the way through really.

“He’s always been able to produce that little something different and that has made him stand out.

“But he also does the basics very well and that gives him a platform to build on.

“He’s consistently produced against cat one and cat two clubs and has shown he can deal with all types of games.”

And Coker has also impressed in other areas.

“He’s very good technically but he’s also got real mental strength,” said Heath.

“He’s often a player who gets kicked by the opposition because that’s the only they can stop him.

“But he shrugs it off and he doesn’t let anything phase him. “He’s a pleasure to work with but he has to go and make this the start of his career now.”