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Belgian wants to shine in big League One clash

10:41am Friday 20th February 2009


BLUES midfielder Franck Moussa is hoping for another memorable afternoon against Colchester United on Saturday 21 February.

The young Belgian is fond of the fixture after making his first ever Football League appearance towards the end of a 3-0 win over the U’s in March 2006.

And he is keen to taste more derby day success on Saturday.

“It’s a game which is always close to my heart because I made my debut at Layer Road and it was a big day for me,” said Moussa, 19.

“It’s a new stadium now, but hopefully it can be another good day for us and we can get the result we all want for the fans because I’ve been at the club a few years now and I know what it means to everyone.”

Moussa worked his way through the youth system and has now made 39 appearances for the first team.

Since returning from a loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers in late December, the youngster has forced his way back into Steve Tilson’s plans.

He has now started the last five games but is being used in an unfamiliar role — on the left hand side.

“We haven’t really got anyone who can play out there so I’m doing a job for the team and the manager but I don’t mind it,” said Moussa.

“I’m obviously more at home in the middle, but just being in the side and getting games is good for me, especially at this stage of my career, and I’m enjoying it.”

Moussa has also produced some tidy displays in new role but was unable to stop the Seasiders suffering a disappointing 1-0 defeat to lowly Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday night.

The unexpected reverse is still hurting Moussa but he is sure the side can immediately bounce back at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

“We have good players and everyone will be giving it 100 per cent again tomorrow,” he stressed.

“Colchester are a good team so it’s going to be a real test but it will be a great atmosphere to play in and I’m sure that will spur us on. It’s a game we want to do well in and we’re certainly all fired up for it.”

Southend United (from): Mildenhall, Sankofa, Clarke, Dervite, Barrett, Francis, McCormack, Christophe, Moussa, Freedman, Robinson, Barnard, Scannell, Joyce, Betsy, Laurent, Grant and Herd.

l BLUES’ youth team hope to finally return to action tomorrow morning as they take on Brentford at Boots and Laces, kick off 11am.


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