TALENTED teenager Stuart O’Keefe is again hoping to be involved for the Shrimpers this weekend.
The young winger, who has worked his way up through the ranks at Roots Hall, is still “buzzing” after coming off the bench for Blues during Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw at Leyton Orient.
And he now wants to also figure against Yeovil Town.
“It was just great coming on against Orient for my first appearance in the league,” said O’Keefe.
“I had been sub a few times but it was never normally me who got to go on.
“So when the manager turned to me and said it get ready I was buzzing and I enjoyed it out there so hopefully I can get on the pitch again against Yeovil because that would be brilliant.”
O’Keefe, 17, had previously been used as a late substitute when the Shrimpers beat AFC Telford 2-0 in November.
But against Orient he played the final six minutes in place of the injured Alex Revell and almost scored with a low volley during the closing stages.
“I didn’t make a clean connection with the ball so the keeper saved it but it was just great being out there,” said O’Keefe.
“The tempo was just so fast - certainly a lot different to being in the youth team - and everyone was immediately in your face.
“I loved it though and this season has gone really well for me.
“I’m learning new things all the time and being around the first team and travelling with them to games is all really good for my experience and obviously enjoyable too.”
O’Keefe, who can also play centrally, has already been rewarded with a professional contract this term with the Shrimpers.
And, after impressing for both the reserves and the youth team, he has now been given his chance in the senior side.
“What’s happened this season has been brilliant,” said O’Keefe.
“But I’ll keep on working hard and hope that I can stay in and around and the first team and get some more appearances.”
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