HE might be twice the age of some of his team-mates, but Southend United striker Paul Furlong is still full of youthful enthusiasm ahead of the new season.

And, despite failing to score in any of the four pre-season friendlies in which he has appeared since arriving on a free transfer, the 39-year-old striker is confident of both personal and collective success in League One this term.

“It’s difficult to judge how you’re doing from pre-season friendlies, they’re about getting fit so you can’t really read too much into things yet – you judge yourself from the start of the season,” he said.

“I’m definitely confident we’re going to do well because it’s a young squad here with a lot of talent and we’re all raring to go.”

Southend continue their with their warm up matches with a trip to Billericay Town tomorrow.

And Furlong is desperate for victory, despite the Blues’ league opener against Peterborough United still being more than a fortnight away.

“It’s nice to get a win in whatever game you’re playing but most importantly it’s about players getting 90 minutes or whatever they need and to come through unscathed which is what we’ve done so far,” he added.

“It’s been tough like it normally is at this time of year but we have a very fit bunch of boys and we’re pleased with how things are going.

“We just want the serious stuff to start.”