HARRISON Neal feels a loan spell at Southend United is the perfect next step for his career.

Neal, who had been with National League North side Kettering during the first half of the season, will now be with Blues for the remainder of the campaign.

And the youngster cannot wait to get started with the Shrimpers.

“I’m buzzing to be honest,” Neal told Blues’ YouTube channel.

“Obviously I was at Kettering during the first half of the season and I’m grateful to them for giving me a chance.

“But for me I think it’s the next step in my career to test myself and hopefully we can start to pick up more points.”

Neal becomes the third Sheffield United player to join Blues on loan this season as he follows in the foot-steps of Zak Brunt and Kacper Lopata.

And Neal spoke with both players and assistant manager Darren Currie – who coached Blades’ under 23 side towards the end of last season – before opting to come to Roots Hall.

“All three of them had nothing but good things to say about the club,” said Neal.

“I spoke to Daz and everything he said was good.

“He said the lads are good and I like how he spoke about the way they play too.

“I also spoke to Zak and Kacper about Essex in general and they said it was good.”

Neal trained with the Shrimpers for the first time this week and is in contention to make his debut in Saturday’s crunch clash at relegation rivals Weymouth.

“Everyone is up for it and hopefully we can get a positive result,” added Neal.