SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell insists he will do all he can to help Stephen Humphrys build on his impressive Shrimpers debut.

Humphrys scored twice on his first Blues start on Saturday as Powell’s side triumphed 4-0 at Bradford City.

And Powell is now keen to keep on getting the best from the 21-year-old striker.

“You look at players all the time but Stephen was one I had a real feeling for and he couldn’t really have made a much better start,” said Powell.

“You talk to people when you’re making signings and some say yes while some say no.

“But we’re Southend United and we’re going to get players with flaws but it’s up to me to give them the environment to try and play and flourish.

“If we keep them on board they can do well.

“But we’ve had some big debuts this year, with Charlie Kelman and Isaac Hutchinson scoring on theirs.

“Stephen is the latest one and he was magnificent.”

But Powell is keen for Humphrys to build on his bright start and will be using his best man management to help him to do so.

“Stephen is a bit of a maverick but I don’t mind that at all,” said the Blues boss.

“When I was at Charlton I had Yann Kermorgant and he was one you wouldn’t have a go at in front of the other lads.

“You have to do what’s best for the individual player and we’ll be doing that with Stephen.”

And Powell, whose side host high-flying Luton Town this weekend, is also keen for Blues to impress more consistently.

“We need to build and we need to get a run going,” said Powell.

“That’s massive in this League, whatever you’re aiming for.”