Playing a big part - Southend United midfielder James Morton
(Image: FOCUS IMAGES)
By Chris Phillips. Chief sports reporter.
SOUTHEND United midfielder James Morton has his sights set on becoming a constant component of the Shrimpers midfield.
Morton is currently the only Blues player to have made it onto the pitch in every game so far the season.
And the 25-year-old is keen to keep on making a big contribution - starting with tonight’s clash against Aldershot at Roots Hall.
“I’m really pleased to be getting the minutes and at the start of the season it’s what you want,” said Morton.
“You never know what can happen with injuries, form or how the team is but thankfully I’ve always been able to get minutes in every game.
“It’s something I’m very proud of but I want to continue it for the rest of the season now.”
“I’m trying to look after my body the best I can off the pitch and I want to keep on performing on it.
Morton has started seven of the last eight matches for the Shrimpers.
And he is relishing his role in the centre of the park.
“The formation and the tactics suit me and I’m having to really prove myself because it’s a really competitive squad,” said Morton.
“I’ve played some good minutes this season and I feel like I’ve been finding my feet a lot more.
“Hopefully that can continue for many more games and many more seasons.”
Morton has helped the Shrimpers take four points from the last two home games, against play-off chasing Halifax Town and Rochdale.
And he has been pleased with the response of the side having previously suffered disappointing back to back defeats.
“It’s been a couple of positive games for us,” said Morton.
“The two games before that were very disappointing against Maidenhead and Sittingbourne and the best way to come back from that was to get a reaction in the next game which we did against Halifax.
“To get a win that night meant we can put the past behind us and keep on going.
“Hopefully we can deliver again against Aldershot but they’re always a tough team to play.”
Blues go into the game sitting 10th in the table and improving that position remains Morton’s main aim.
“We want to climb the table and I want to be a big part of that,” said Morton.
“I’m trying to do my bit whether that’s set pieces, defending or getting on the ball I’m just trying to do my best.
“I want to stay in the team and show my stuff but I want that to be in a winning team.”
And Morton, who has five assists this season, is keen to start contributing more in attack.
"I don't want to just be someone who creates, I do want to score," said Morton.
"That's something which is on my mind and hopefully it comes between now and the end of the season.
"I'm really happy with the assists and I want to get many more.
"I've got a target in my head I want to reach and I'll be doing everything possible to get them.
"You want to play well but to get stats alongside that is good as well.
"I'm deeper in my position but I do enjoy being the creator. "
