SOUTHEND United striker Matt Paterson is determined to stay in the plans of manager Paul Sturrock.

The 20-year-old seemed to be heading out of Roots Hall after falling out of favour under the Scotsman.

But a brace in Tuesday night’s 3-1 win at Barnet has fired Paterson back in to contention.

And he is keen to make the most of his second chance at the club.

“Hopefully I can go on from here now and get more games and goals for Southend,” said Paterson.

“The manager spoke with me before the Barnet game and went through a few things.

“I told him I would be more than willing to work on the areas he brought up and as long as he wants me here then I’m happy to stay.”

Before scoring against Barnet in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, Paterson had not been in Blues’ last three matchday squads.

The ex-Southampton striker had also been made available for loan and he admitted it had been a frustrating time.

“It was quite tough for me but I was working hard in training and just hoped that another chance would come my way in the team,” said Paterson.

“I got one against Barnet in the week and I just went out there with the mindset of working as hard as I possibly could.

“The two goals were a bonus and hopefully I can get more chances in the team now and do well."

FULL STORY IN THURSDAY'S ECHO