HARRY Taylor is relishing returning to his defensive roots with Southend United.

Taylor lined up in midfield for the majority of last season.

But on Saturday the 26-year-old shone in the Shrimpers’ 4-0 win against Oldham Athletic playing as a right sided centre-back.

And it is a role he actually knows well.

“At Barnet I played there for a couple of seasons when Daz (Darren Currie) was the manager,” said Taylor.

“It’s not alien to me and I enjoy it there too.

“I’m quite a versatile player. Last year I played most of the games in centre mid but my defensive awareness helps me out when playing centre-back.”

Taylor showed those defensive qualities in the Shrimpers’ opening day success.

And he actually came through the ranks at Chelsea playing as a defender.

“At Chelsea I was always a defender,” said Taylor, who counts Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount among his former team-mates during a seven year spell at Stamford Bridge.

“But one time, around the youth team time at Barnet, I broke through and the manager at the time put me in centre mid.

“I’m happy to play anywhere but I enjoy defending. I was always the defender when I grew up playing football with my brother Jack, who is now with Ipswich, as well!”

Taylor reverted to a more defensive role for the Shrimpers at the weekend following the departure of Shaun Hobson to Oldham during the summer and a groin injury suffered by Louis Lomas.

Blues are still unable to register any new players due to a transfer embargo which has been in place since September.

But Kevin Maher’s side were still able to produce a stunning performance against the Latics.

And Taylor remains delighted to have started the season in such fine style.

“We got off to a good start which was great,” said the 26-year-old.

“We spoke about starting at a high intensity and seeing where that took us.

“We felt good before the game and like we didn’t really have much to lose.

“All the talk in the changing room was about how we had all the excuses in the world but we said about using the team spirit we have and what the fans have done to get the stadium ready as motivation to get the win.”

And Blues will now be looking to build on the win when they head to Dagenham this weekend.

“We’re really looking forward to it,” said Taylor.

“Hopefully we can take momentum from Saturday and give it our best.”