MARCUS Dackers is keen to show he is more than just a targetman at Southend United.

The Salford City striker - who stands at six foot seven inches tall - has made a good start to his month long loan stint with the Shrimpers.

But the 19-year-old is eager to prove he brings more to the team than just his aerial ability.

“When people haven’t seen me play they just think oh he’s a big man who will flick it on,” said Dackers.

“But I always feel like I have a point to prove to everyone because I don’t just do that.

“I can actually have a good first touch, get the ball down and strike it with good technique.”

Dackers has shown that for the Shrimpers already and believes it comes from being with both Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion in his youth where he played in a deeper role.

“I was a midfielder when I was younger, from the age of 13 to 16,” said Dackers.

“Being in the Man City academy and then Brighton as well it was very much about getting the ball down, having good technique and being good footballers.”

Dackers failed to advance beyond his youth team scholarship with the Seagulls. But he feels leaving the Premier League club was needed to kick-start his career.

“It was a blessing in disguise really,” said Dackers.

“All I knew was Cat One academies and everything being handed to you on a plate back then.

“You have perfect pitches, you go in and have your breakfast cooked for you, then lunch and your main meals in digs.

“I was in a bubble at Brighton and thought I was only competing against the people there.

“But I left there and was waiting against people all across the country for my first professional contract.

“It did test me but I’m happy things went the way they did.”

Dackers impressed during a trial game for Salford before being handed his first professional contract with the League Two club.

But it was a loan spell at Stalybridge Celtic last season which taught the forward some valuable lessons.

“When I had my first loan at Stalybridge it opened my eyes to having to work on things to make it in the men’s game,” said Dackers.

“You have to do the dirty side and going on loan last season really taught me that.”

Dackers has fought hard for Blues so far and netted on his debut at Chesterfield before also impressing against Wrexham last time out.

And he felt the Shrimpers should have taken all three points against the big-spending Welshmen.

I felt like we dominated the game for the whole 90 minutes and it was very unfortunate Hydey’s goal being disallowed,” said Dackers.

“To have us all celebrate before disallowing it rubbed salt into the wounds as well.

“We deserved to win the game but it just shows the level we can play at.

“Wrexham are a top two or three team in the league and we dominated the game so it should give us confidence going into the next game.”

Blues’ next outing comes at Wealdstone this weekend.

And Dackers is expecting an open encounter.

“I’ve heard they like to get it down and play so it will be another test for us but we’ve worked hard on the training ground to prepare for it,” said Dackers.

“I’m in this league to challenge myself and I’m really looking forward to going again on Saturday.”

The match will see Dackers make the third appearance of his initial month long loan.

But Dackers hinted he would not be against extending his loan spell with Blues.

“I’ll have to wait and see but I’m really enjoying my time here,” said the teenager.

“To get a good amount of games in the National League would be beneficial for me.

I’m thinking it would definitely be something I would consider. “

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>Blues youngster heads out on loan