BRITT Assombalonga has revealed how his loan spell with Southend United helped him to become one of the hottest prospects outside the Premier League.

Assombalonga, who bagged 16 goals while with the Shrimpers last season, has scored four goals in five games since joining Peterborough United from Watford for £1.25 million during the summer.

But the 20-year-old striker believes his goalscoring form would not have been possible without his spell at Roots Hall.

“I developed so much as a player during my time at Southend and it was the best experience of my life and my career so far because I learnt so much,” said Assombalonga.

“Both of the managers I had there (Paul Sturrock and Phil Brown) really helped me with my game and so did Graham Coughlan.

“There were also plenty of experienced strikers there who I learnt from and obviously playing in the amount of matches I did was a massive help.”

Assombalonga formed a good partnership with Gavin Tomlin while with the Shrimpers before heading back to Watford.

But Assombalonga soon left the Hornets on a permanent basis, joining Peterborough for a club record free, which the forward is already used to talking about on a regular basis.

“Every interview I do I get asked about the price tag and I think I’m now always going to be the one Peterborough signed for more than £1million but I don’t really think about it,” said Assombalonga.

“It’s flattering that Peterborough wanted to pay that for me and had that belief in me to do well.

“I’m  really  pleased  with  the start I’ve made and it’s been  great to get a few goals.

“The team are picking up points which is obviously even more important and the target for the rest of the season is for us to go and win promotion.

“I also want to keep scoring to try and increase the chances of that happening.”

Assombalonga remains fully focused on securing success at Peterborough but has also been keeping tabs on Blues and has been delighted by their start to the season.

Adam Thompson, who played in the same youth team as Assombalonga at Watford, is now on loan with the Shrimpers.

And Assombalonga advised the defender to spend time with Southend.

“I spoke to Adam before the move and told him Southend was a good club with down to earth people who would be able to help him,” said Assombalonga.

“He’s a very passionate defender so I’ll think he’ll do well for the club and I hope Southend can get promotion this season because we were all frustrated to miss out last year.”