SOUTHEND United midfielder Jack Bridge once rejected a switch to Arsenal in order to fulfil his ambition of starring for the Shrimpers’ first team.

Bridge, who returned to Roots Hall in the summer, initially joined his hometown club while at primacy school.

And he once had the option to join the Gunners.

“When I was 15 that came about,” said Bridge.

“There were a few things happening at that age but I chose to sign my scholarship here.

“I’ve lived in Westcliff my whole life and I class this as my home.

“I first signed here when I was eight, my family are all fans of the club and I’m loving being back.”

Bridge spent three years away from Blues before coming back and is eager to ensure Phil Brown’s side enjoy a successful season.

The Shrimpers have picked up five points from their opening four games. But Bridge was encouraged by Saturday’s 2-2 draw with big-spending Wrexham.

“In the last game I think we showed a lot more of what we’re about and the way we want to go about things,” said the 25-year-old.

“Obviously the first game of the season was brilliant and to get the win was good.

“Since then we would’ve liked to have picked up more points than we have done but I think the performances have been there, especially in the last game and on Saturday we showed we can compete.”

The Shrimpers, who are 13th in the National League standings, will now be aiming for more of the same at Halifax Town tomorrow. But Bridge is expecting another tough test.

“Halifax were up there last season, challenging to get into the play-offs,” said Bridge.

“I think they will be looking to do that again this year and they will try and make it difficult for us.”

But Bridge will be looking to make sure Blues come out on top and again looks likely to line up at left wing-back.

"I’ve played wing-back quite a few times over the years, it’s a lot of running but I don’t mind," said Bridge,

"I don’t mind being on the left hand side either as I’ve played out there a lot as well.