Southend United midfielder Luke Guttridge is determined to make the most of his second chance with the Shrimpers.

The 24-year-old made a surprising return to Roots Hall - after a month long loan spell with Leyton Orient - to figure as a second half substitute against Barnsley on Saturday.

And Guttridge today confirmed he was back to stay with the Seasiders.

"The month away has done me the world of good and I'm happy to be a Southend player again," said the former Cambridge United man.

"I've sat down with the manager to discuss the situation and I feel like a new signing in many ways.

"It's good and I want to carry on playing the way I was at Orient because it went well for me there."

Guttridge made seven appearances while with the O's - scoring one goal - and he confessed his stint at Brisbane Road had done him the world of good - both on and off the pitch.

"I wasn't playing well for Southend earlier this season but there were reasons," said the midfielder who was a key figure in the side which won League One last season.

"There were various things that were bogging me down and I wasn't 100 per cent focused on my game.

"The month away has allowed me to clear my head though and allowed others to think about things as well.

"I've realised one or two things and I've come back fully focused on playing for Southend and doing my best for the club."