HULLBRIDGE Sports boss Darren Manning believes Southend United youngster Sam Knock has a bright future ahead of him.

Knock is currently on loan with the Isthmian North outfit and earned rave reviews after each of his first two appearances for the club.

And Manning is pleased to have the talented youngster among his options.

“Sam has been brilliant for us so far and he will be a fantastic player,” said Manning.

“I think he has put in, arguably, two man of the match displays since joining us.

“Sam is a great lad and Southend have a real player on their hands.

“He is on a one-month loan at the moment, but he is someone I would love to keep at the club for longer if we can.”

Knock made his debut in the draw with Dereham Town last weekend, before helping Sports to a 4-3 Isthmian League Cup triumph over Tilbury.

And Knock is expected to be in Manning’s starting line-up when Hullbridge visit Histon tomorrow.

Hullbridge, who are enjoying their first ever season in the Isthmian North, could move up to as high as seventh in the standings with three points.

Histon, who are also newcomers to the division, are currently 11th in the standings and could leapfrog Sports if they emerge triumphant.

Sports have made a promising start to life in the fourth tier of non-league football, having won three of their first nine domestic fixtures at this level.

And Manning is keen for Hullbridge to maintain their unbeaten record on the road.

“I know a bit more about Histon than some of the other teams we have been playing in recent weeks,” added Manning.

“I’ve been able to watch a few bits on YouTube.

“Although we know about them, we will just focus on ourselves.

“We know we are a good side and I believe in these players, so I will back them to get a positive result.

“We want to build on a good performance against Tilbury.”