MICHAEL Klass is eager to kick on at Southend United after having his contract extended for a further year.

The 20-year-old midfielder made 13 appearances for Blues’ first team last term.

But the youngster is now determined to feature more frequently next term.

“I was buzzing when I found out my contract was going to be extended and that I would be at Southend for another year,” said Klass, who was with both Fulham and Queens Park Rangers in his youth.

“I was quite hopeful and confident it would happen but the longer it goes on without hearing anything you do start to worry.

“You start to wonder what if they don’t want me and what if the new manager has new plans or something.

“But I got a phone call and an email to say the extra year would be triggered and I was really happy.

“However, now I need to make sure that I make the most of it.”

Klass was a fairly regular member of the matchday squad during the first half of the season.

And he was pleased to be given opportunities to impress.

“It was a weird season for me and the club as well really but I would like to really look at it as a success for me,” said Klass.

“I was in and around the first team and I was pleased to be given the opportunity to play in a few games.

“When I came on I thought I did quite well too but now it’s about doing all I can to get more chances to play.”

Klass fell out of favour towards the end of the season and did not make the squad for the final 11 fixtures, something he is keen to avoid next time around.

“I didn’t feature so much in the last few games but the situation we were in made it hard,” said the midfielder.

“But the team managed to stay up which was great and now everyone wants to make sure we do much better next season.

“I obviously want to help with making sure that happens too.”

And, with that in mind, Klass cannot wait to get going again.

“It’s nice to have a bit of a break but I’m already missing it if I’m honest,” said the youngster who has been with Blues for the past two seasons.

“I can’t wait to be back at it and to get going again because it’s going to be a big season for me.

“My aim is to try and play more games than I have this year.

“And I obviously want to do all I can to help the team pick up as many points as we can to finish higher up the table.”