TED Smith wants to add a Southend United first team appearance to ever-growing list of achievements.

The talented goalkeeper has already represented England at under 18 and under 19 age-groups.

And the former King John School pupil now wants to build on that by lining up for Blues, his home-town club, in League Two this term.

“I’d like to make my Southend debut at some point because that was the aim for me from the start of the season,” said the 19-year-old.

“It would really mean a lot too because they have made me the goalkeeper I am today and the fact that they’re my local team would make it that extra bit special as well.”

Smith, who has been on the first team bench twice already this season, has now been with the Shrimpers for the past seven years.

However, his association with Blues stretches back even further than that having also watched the club during his youth.

“I used to play for Benfleet Villa and we used to come to a few of the games as well as Meet the Blues Day,” said Smith.

“I first went in goal when I was with Benfleet Villa too when I was eight and I was with them pretty much the whole time before I came here.”

Since then, Smith has been developed in to one of the finest young goalkeepers in the country.

And that again led to the teenager lining up for England under 19 side 10 days ago as he played the final 14 minutes in a 3-0 win against Italy at Rotherham United’s New York Stadium.

“It was very pleasing representing my country again and it was a good game to come in to,” said Smith.

“It’s always an honour to play for England and the most pleasing thing this time was that my family got to see it again too as they have been beside me the whole way in my career.”

But Smith will now have a fight on his hands to force his way in to the first team as another product of Blues’ youth system, Daniel Bentley, remains in excellent form between the sticks.

Bentley continues to be linked to a number of bigger clubs and has also been watched by England scouts this season.

And Smith is certain that the success of the Shrimpers shot-stoppers is testament to the coaching they receive at the club.

“I can't praise the goalkeeping coach Terry Mason enough for what he's done for me and I'm sure Dan and Paul Smith will say the same,” said Smith.

“I’ve also worked with Reece Otley who seems to be doing a great job with the younger boys and the set up from the first team down to the academy is fantastic.

“A lot of work goes in to the whole set-up and it’s great to be a part of.”