SOUTHEND United manager Mark Molesley felt Alan McCormack has made a difference to the Shrimpers - despite Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Carlisle United.

The 36-year-old midfielder went straight into the starting line-up at Brunton Park.

And Molesley was pleased with the impact the Irishman made.

"You could hear his voice out there and that’s what we’ve been lacking," said Molesley.

"Hopefully reinforcements are on their way and some older players are coming back because we’ve seen what difference it makes.

“Unfortunately he only came in to train on Thursday and Friday and he’s not had a backlog of games so we couldn’t risk him for any more minutes than he played.

But it’s another positive we got 60 minutes from him and that another experienced player has joined us