Southend United's assistant manager Dave Penney heaps praise on Jacob Murphy after impressive full debut against Rochdale

The speedy winger created the Shrimpers’ first goal for Barry Corr before he volleyed home the second.

And Penney was delighted with the 19-year-old’s first start for Blues.

“Jacob was terrific for an hour or so and caused them all kinds of problems with his pace,” said Penney.

“We’ve eased in him since he came to the club but he got his chance from the start here and he certainly took it.

“Not too many players would’ve passed the ball like he did for Barry’s goal and then he also scored one of his own.

“I think we also saw he’s lagging behind a bit with his fitness and that’s why he had to come off.

“But that will improve the more he plays and we’re certainly delighted with the impact he made to help us win this game.”

The 3-0 win against high-flying Dale came just six days after the Shrimpers had suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to struggling AFC Wimbledon at Roots Hall.

And Penney now hopes Blues will be able to be at their best on a more consistent basis.

“Our results against the top teams have been fantastic this season and we reminded the players of that before the game,” said the former Doncaster Rovers boss.

“It suits us when teams want to pay football themselves but I also think we’ve started to learn from what’s gone wrong against the teams down at the other end of the table.

“We need to be patient and show more composure in front of goal but we saw that with Jacob and one or two others here so hopefully we will see it again against Accrington too.”

Blues have no new injury concerns for Monday's game and winger Kevan Hurst will make his 100th appearance for the club if he keeps his place in the starting line-up.

Accrington arrive at Roots Hall sitting 17th in the League Two table, three points above the relegation zone.

Stanley, who are managed by former Southampton and England striker James Beattie, have also triumphed just once in their last six games.