JOHN Egan insists his rock solid partnership with Jakub Sokolik is not the sole reason for Southend United’s improved defensive record.

The on-loan duo have helped the Shrimpers secure four successive clean sheets.

But Egan, who is with Blues from Sunderland until the end of the season, feels the whole team deserve credit for the run of shut-outs.

“The clean sheets are down to everyone to be honest,” said the 21-year-old Irishman.

“Obviously I’ve formed a good partnership with Jakub, but it’s about the whole team.

“We look very organised and solid, especially on Saturday against Torquay United and that was a massive three points for us.

“It came on the back of a great performance against Oxford United and pushed us back in to the play-offs.

“We were resolute at the back and didn’t really allow them too many chances.

“As defenders you just want to pick up clean sheets, so that was another good game for us and more of the same would be great against Cheltenham this weekend.”

Egan will be bidding to help make that happen at Whaddon Road.

And he has his sights firmly set on helping the Shrimpers get back into League One.

“I want to help the team get to Wembley and get promotion as well,” said Egan. “I’m pleased with how I’ve done so far in the seven games I’ve played so far, but I just want to keep impressing between now and the end of the season.”

Egan arrived at Roots Hall after 17 months without a first team game.

The defender was initially sidelined with a broken leg but feels he is now a better player than he was before the injury.

“I’ve definitely come on a lot as a player already since coming here on loan,” said Egan.

“I’ve really enjoyed learning from Phil Brown, Dave Penney and Graham Coughlan and they’re really helping me with my game.

“Overall it has been a good couple of weeks for us on the pitch and it has put us back into a really good position in the league.

“Every game is a big one between now and the end of the season, starting with Cheltenham on Saturday.”