SOUTHEND United’s joint longest serving player will skipper the Shrimpers in tonight’s FA Youth Cup clash against Harpenden Town at Roots Hall.

Eighteen-year-old Joe Poxon has been with Blues since the age of six, alongside team-mate Beau MacDonald.

And Poxon cannot wait to captain the club in this evening’s second round qualifying clash.

“Playing for Southend is everything for me,” said Poxon.

“I’m local and I support the club too.

“I’ve been home and away many times to watch Southend and to captain the team is an honour as well.

“I’m so proud to do that and I’m absolutely buzzing for the game tonight.

“These are the ones you can’t wait to play in and under the lights at Roots Hall it will be amazing.”

Poxon has been with the Shrimpers since playing in their pre-academy.

But it has not all been plain sailing for the versatile striker.

“In the under 15s I broke my leg and it kept me out for 11 months which was very tough,” said Poxon.

“I worked so hard to get back and it was the toughest moment of my career.

“I had nights on the sofa not being able to move but I always wanted to get back and did everything I could to make that happen.”

Poxon’s work-rate has seen him kept on by Blues and the youngster was buoyed even further by scoring for the first team against Great Wakering Rovers in a pre-season friendly.

“It was a dream come true in pre-season and just being in and around was just a great experience,” said Poxon.

“It pushed me on to work even harder and I do feel like I’ve pushed on as a player this season now.”

And Poxon has also been helped by playing for his hometown club, Great Wakering Rovers, on loan.

“I played a bit at the end of last season with Burnham Ramblers but this season with Wakering has been really good,” said Poxon.

“The boys are great and the manager is top so I’m enjoying it over there.”