OSEI Sankofa hopes to be handed his first league start for Southend United this weekend.

The summer signing has so far been restricted to just three substitute appearances and one full appearance in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy since joining from Charlton Athletic.

But with Dan Harding now suspended for three games following his red card during the 1-1 draw against Stockport at the weekend, Sankofa is keen to be called into action against Swindon Town this Saturday.

“I was disappointed that Dan’s red card didn’t get overturned but I’m ready to play if I’m needed,” said the 23-year-old, who played the final 22 minutes against Stockport County at left back last Saturday following Harding’s dismissal.

“Left back is a bit of a foreign position for me but I have played there before and if I’m put there again to do a job for the team then it won’t be a problem.

“I’m not sure what the manager is going to do though. He may look to reshuffle the back four a little bit and I could end up somewhere else, but it would be great to get a game.”

Sankofa has been used more at right back or in the middle of the defence throughout his career.

But he enjoyed filling in against the Hatters.

“It was a hard time to come on because we were down to 10 men but we held on for what I thought was a good point in the end,” he said.

“Stockport are a good side who have been doing well so we dug in to get the draw and for me personally it was also nice to get some more minutes on the pitch.”

Sankofa is now looking to be more involved in the Shrimpers’ next three matches but, while many may have been quick to moan at being left out in the first place, the defender is more concerned by what happens to the team.

“That’s what matters the most,” he insisted.

“Of course you would prefer to be playing and then you understand how the starting 11 are feeling.

“But the team have been doing well lately and you can’t complain when the side is performing.

“I’m certainly happy about things, I’ve been working hard in training too and hopefully my chance in the first team will come soon.

“Then it’s up to me to take it.”