RENEI Batlokwa insists he could not be happier after making his first team debut for Southend United – six years after signing for the Shrimpers.

The 20-year-old midfielder impressed in the centre of the park during the 3-1 win against Cambridge United in the Checkatrade Trophy at Roots Hall on Tuesday night.

And Batlokwa insists he is still on a high.

“I’ve been working towards a first team debut for so long now so I’m really happy to have achieved it,” said the midfielder.

“I was happy with how it went and winning the game makes it extra special.

“But even now I’m still really happy about it and I want more of this now so I’ll definitely be working hard to try and make that happen.”

However, Batlokwa – who is based in Basildon – was surprised to be called upon against Cambridge.

“I knew I was in the squad but I wasn’t expecting to play if I’m honest,” said the youngster.

“In the afternoon of the game we came into the training ground to go through a few things and the manager called me into his office and told me I would be playing.

“I was surprised but happy and I couldn’t stop smiling.

“I wasn’t nervous at all, I was just excited.”

And Batlokwa also adjusted well to playing in a central position having featured more on the wings in recent seasons.

“I played in the middle when I was younger so it wasn’t a problem going back there,” said the midfielder.

“I just wanted to show the manager I could be trusted to play and hopefully that’s what I did.”