SOUTHEND United manager Sol Campbell is backing Richard Taylor to bounce back from his difficult League debut.

An error from Taylor gifted Oxford United an early lead in the Shrimpers’ 4-0 defeat at Roots Hall last time out.

But Campbell is certain the 19-year-old centre-back will recover strongly from the setback and will have no qualms starting him at Burton Albion tonight.

“Richard is young and everyone makes mistakes,” said Campbell.

“Name me one person who hasn’t made a mistake as a youngster in football?

“Guys who have played 10 or 15 years at the highest level will also make mistakes.

“It’s water off a duck’s back and he will get over it.

“He’s a good player and he’ll learn and get better as time goes on so he’s certainly in contention tonight.”

Blues still have a shortage of defenders with John White (broken arm) and Joe Shaughnessy (knee) both out injured while Harry Lennon remains with the under-23s squad after appearing in a controversial social media video following the Shrimpers’ FA Cup defeat at Dover Athletic.

Liam Ridgewell is also unavailable and appears to have played his last game for the club.

But, despite the lack of numbers, Campbell is looking forward to Blues returning to action after 10 days without a game.

“We’re excited,” said Campbell.

“We’ve had some time off and we’ve had some good training sessions.

“We’ve looked at certain aspects of our game and we have to keep on doing the right things now.

“We’re looking at details and we have to cut out the mistakes.

“Football is all about doing the right things and hopefully we won’t make as many mistakes as we did last time.”

The Shrimpers are desperate to get back to winning ways as they currently sit second from bottom in the League One standings, 11 points from safety with an inferior goal difference to the teams around them.

And Campbell will therefore only be focusing on his own players.

“We can only worry about ourselves and make sure we’re right between now and the end of the season,” said the former England defender.

“Burton are another good side but we’re focusing on ourselves.”