SOUTHEND United goalkeeping coach Reece Ottley was pleased with how Collin Andeng Ndi dealt with his league debut against Stockport.

The 18-year-old shot-stopper replaced the unwell Steve Arnold between the sticks.

And, despite the 5-0 score-line, Ottley felt Andeng Ndi could be proud of how he reacted to be being dropped in the deep end.

“Of course we were bitterly disappointed to lose the game and by the score-line we did too but when we reflect and look back at the goals there’s nothing Collin could do about any of them,” said Ottley.

“What I’m most pleased with is how he handled the occasion.

“To be told on the day he was playing and be mentally prepared for his league debut against the team top of the table, live on TV with a crowd of nearly 8,000 people is a big task and he handled that exceptionally.”

Andeng Ndi’s first team debut came against Dorking Wanderers in the FA Trophy back in December.

But the youngster has had to be patient in pursuit of further opportunities.

“As a number two goalkeeper it can be extremely frustrating at times but Collin has acquitted himself really well,” said Ottley.

“He’s really well respected by the squad and the staff too.

“His character and personality is excellent and I knew he would be able to handle the game on Saturday. “Hopefully it’s the first of many for him.”

But Andeng Ndi will continue to work hard in a bid to help secure more successful score-lines.

“Naturally after the game Collin was bitterly disappointed,” said Ottley.

“The score-line was disappointing but we’ve sat down and gone through a few bits.

“There are bits to improve on but the big test was how he handled it .

“He handled it against Dorking in the FA Trophy and did really well that day too.

“But for him to make his league debut as such a young age is real testament to him.”

However, Andeng Ndi could find it hard to force his way into the team on a regular basis due to the fine form of first choice goalkeeper Steve Arnold.

And Ottley has been happy with the consistency of the goalkeepers this season.

“We’d like to be higher up the table and kept more clean sheets but performance levels have been good for the goalkeepers,” said Ottley.

“The two of them get on excellently and push each other every day.

“They have a great relationship and I know Steve would’ve been the first one to congratulate Colin.

“They get on well and it makes my job really easy.”

But it is not just the first team Ottley coaches.

“I still work with all the academy keepers from the under eights all the way through to the first team,” said Ottley.

“I still do some of the evening sessions with the academy boys and I think it’s important.

“The club has a rich history of producing young goalkeepers and I want that to continue.

“Having myself as first team goalkeeping coach alongside working with the academy mean they see there’s a pathway if they’re good enough.”

And Ottley believes there are many good young keepers in the Shrimpers set up.

“We have a very good catchment area where we attract goalkeepers from,” said Ottley.

“We tap in to all the local clubs and we have some excellent young goalkeepers coming through.

“I use Collin and Steve as an example to them every single day about setting high standards and pushing yourselves.”