ADAM Thompson wants his loan spell with Southend United to help push him back into Northern Ireland’s senior squad.

The 20-year-old defender, who is with the Shrimpers from Watford for the next six months, is in Ireland’s under-21 squad for today’s game against Denmark at Stangmore Park.

But Thompson has his sights set higher and is eager to secure more senior caps.

“I’ve played twice for the senior team and I obviously want to get more caps with them,” said Thompson.

“For that to happen I need to be playing regularly and be playing well too, so I’m hoping I’ll be able to do that while I’m with Southend to get back into the squad.”

Thompson made his Shrimpers debut as a late substitute during Saturday’s 1-0 win at Hartlepool United after completing a loan switch the day before the game.

But, having also played for Blues against West Ham United in pre-season, he is delighted to be back in Phil Brown’s plans.

“Everything happened really quickly but I’m very happy to be here,” said Thompson.

“I only met up with the team at their hotel on the Friday night, but the captain John White got me involved straight away and I’ve a lot of respect for the manager here too.

“I spoke to him when I came in on trial and was happy to come on loan when I heard it was possible following Chris Barker’s departure.”

Thompson will also be following in the foot-steps of Britt Assombalonga, who joined Blues on loan from Watford last season.

Thompson, who can play at both right-back and centre-back, played in the same Hornets youth side as the striker, who is now at Peterborough United.

And Thompson spoke with Assombalonga before agreeing to sign for Southend.

“Britt told me it was a really good club and that everyone was really down to earth there,” said Thompson.

“He said the lads were great and that it would be a good place for me to and go and play.

“My aim is to now try and play regularly in the first team and help the team build on their good start to the season.”