Canvey Island loan defender Josh Banton keen to impress against Southend United

The on-loan centre back joined the Gulls last month and has played every minute of Canvey’s nine league matches since making the switch.

Danny Heale’s side are currently on a seven-match unbeaten run, after their 1-1 draw with Grays Athletic on Saturday, and Banton, 19, says he is delighted with the amount of game time he is getting at the Prospects Stadium.

“It is going really well,” he said, ahead of tonight’s friendly against his parent club. “For me the most important thing is getting minutes and I have done that since I came here. It is important to get a run in the side as that shows I am doing the right things and that has helped my confidence as well.

“But this has been a perfect move for me as the games are all real battles. I wanted a challenge and this has proven to be one. We were struggling earlier in the season but have been improving in recent weeks and so have the results.

“I would love another contract at Southend. I will hope for the best and keep doing what I am doing here. Canvey have given me the best possible chance and I am grateful to them for that.”

After keeping a clean sheet against Dulwich Hamlet 10 days ago, their first since October, the Gulls have conceded two late goals to drop points against Witham Town, who Banton was on-loan at before moving to Canvey, and Grays.

And Banton says, although dropping four points late on is disappointing, Canvey are improving all the time at the back and he is keen to impress in front of Blues boss Phil Brown.

“We were gutted to concede two late goals but in general things have been going well and I have a good partnership with John Easterford,” he said. “We compliment each other’s playing styles and we get on with each other on and off the pitch which helps.

“I just want to help Canvey get as many points as possible and keep playing. So far, it’s going well and hopefully I can show what I can do when Southend come here.”