SOUTHEND United striker Jack Wood is ready to show what he has learnt from who he will replace this weekend.

Wood looks likely to come in for the departed Daniel Kanu against Hampton & Richmond in the FA Trophy this weekend.

And Wood will be doing so having studied the movement of his former team-mate who has now been recalled from his loan spell by Charlton Athletic.

"Playing centrally in behind Cards (Harry Cardwell) has been a new role for me so I've done work in training and looked at other strikers too," said Wood.

"When I was on the bench this season I was looking at Dan Kanu because he was so good at getting in the right areas in the box.

"He's a real poacher and you could see he was a real striker which is what I need to adapt to being more myself.

"We've been playing in the same position so I was looking at what he did and that's why he did so well here."

Kanu scored four goals in six games for Blues before heading back to the Addicks but Wood has been pleased with his own contributions this season.

The 20-year-old has scored twice in 18 appearances and is pleased to be featuring so regularly.

"I'm quite pleased how it's gone for me in my first time playing regularly at National League level,” said Wood.

“My aim at the start of the season was to play more games and I've done that.

“I want to contribute with goals and assists which I've done as well but the aim is to get a few more now.”

And Wood is enjoying trying to do that further forward than he has previously played.

“I was adapting and learning at the start of the season after having been playing as a winger at Tonbridge last season,” said Wood.

“That's where I played in my youth career too but I've been enjoying it.

“I'm still learning but it's good being alongside Cards who is an experienced striker because he's always talking to you.”

And Wood could well be back alongside Cardwell this weekend.

“I’m ready to go again,” said Wood.

“If it doesn’t come this weekend I’ll be ready to take my next opportunity whenever it is and help the team.

“We've been doing really well this season and we’re such a close group which definitely helps,” said Wood.

“You can see that in all the games too.

“It's been a good start and I can't see why we can't keep it going.”