ISAAC Hutchinson wants his fine start to pre-season to be a sign of things to come at Southend United.

The attacking midfielder has scored one goal and made another two in the Shrimpers’ first two friendlies of the summer.

And the 19-year-old is keen to keep on making a good impression.

“I’ve been pleased to have been with the first team in pre-season and I would like to think I’ve shown what I can do a little bit,” said Hutchinson.

“It’s early days obviously and still pre-season but I’m pleased to have been involved in some goals and obviously my aim now is to keep that going.

“We have a few more friendlies coming up which hopefully I can get some more minutes in and do well.”

Hutchinson made two goals in Blues’ 3-2 win at Billericay Town last Tuesday before scoring the Shrimpers’ second in their 2-2 draw at Weymouth on Friday.

But the youngster is also enjoying the work behind the scenes.

“Training has been really good,” said Hutchinson.

“I’ve been enjoying it and we’ve done a lot of hard work.

“It’s been tough but you expect that at this time of year.”

And Hutchinson has also benefitted from Blues’ training camp in the south-west.

“It’s been good for everyone,” said Hutchinson.

“We’ve done a lot of good work and a lot of hard work but I feel like I’ve really benefitted from it and I’m sure everyone else has too.

“It’s been good for team spirit and we got to play a bit of golf together the other day, which was fun.

“But we’ve been through a lot here and we’ve taken a lot from it.”

The Shrimpers continue their pre-season preparations by facing Exeter City in a behind closed doors friendly this morning.

And Hutchinson - who made 12 first team appearances last season - is keen to impress as he strives to secure more games this term.

“I felt like last season was a success for me,” said Hutchinson.

“If someone had offered me it at the start of the season I would’ve bit their hand off.

“But it would be great to get even more this season so that’s what I’m working towards.

“I’m working hard and hopefully I’ll get more games and it can be an even more successful season for me and more importantly for the team as well.”

Hutchinson netted a number of spectacular goals for the under-23s last season and also netted on his first team debut against Cambridge United.