Echo News In-form Morton confident Shrimpers are becoming more consistent

[Evening Echo]

SOUTHEND United midfielder James Morton is confident the Shrimpers will become more consistent.

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[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

By Chris Phillips@cjphillips1982Chief sports reporter.

Playing well - Southend United midfielder James Morton (Image: Russell Hart)

SOUTHEND United midfielder James Morton is confident the Shrimpers will become more consistent.

Blues have struggled to string together positive results so far this season.

But Morton says having a more settled team and strength in depth will enable Kevin Maher’s side to be at their best more often.

“It helps having a settled team and having competition for places too,” said Morton.

“We need 20 players, not just 11 and there will be rotation, injuries and setbacks so every player is important in getting a consistent team gelling.

“We’ve had some clean sheets under our belts against top teams too now and naturally it builds confidence.

“That confidence will continue and hopefully we can get a good unbeaten run going to climb the league table.”

The Shrimpers triumphed 2-0 at Halifax Town on Saturday to make it three matches unbeaten.

And Morton labelled it a significant success for Blues, who are now 14th in the table.

“It was really important to get three points at the end of what I thought as a positive week,” said Morton.

“Getting two draws and a win in the week is good, especially having Forest Green, Woking where we went down to 10 men and Halifax away.

“It’s a tough week and to get the win was massive.

“We’re really big on clean sheets so that was pleasing too.

“Collectively we felt it was a good performance and it’s one we’ll take confidence from too which is important.”

Morton also played a key part in securing Saturday’s win as he set up both of Southend’s goals.

And the 25-year-old wants that to be a sign of things to come.

“It's always good to be involved in goals and it’s something I want to add to my game,” said Morton.

“Maybe it will be assists more than goals playing deeper but I want to help the team any way I can.

"I’ve not always based my game on stats mainly because of the position I play and the responsibilities I have elsewhere but you’ve got to do a bit of everything.

“I feel I can add a few more stats but as long as my performance is positive overall then those stats will come.”

Morton’s next chance to impress comes at Brentwood Town in the FA Trophy this weekend.

And the midfielder stressed the Shrimpers would be taking the third round tie seriously.

“We want to win every game,” said Morton.

“We’ve had a bit of inconsistency this season but cup games can help with your league performances.

“We look at this as just as important as a league match where hopefully we can get a good performance and win.

“We’ll be taking it seriously and we’ve prepared properly this week.

“I see it as a great opportunity to make it four unbeaten so we feel more positive and confident going into the Hartlepool game next week.”

Morton again looks likely to feature in the centre of the park having started nine of the last 10 games.

And he is enjoying his regular role in the team.

“To be playing as regularly as I have been and getting the minutes I have means you’re naturally going to progress,” said Morton.

“You’ll be fitter and sharper and getting that base means you’ll be able to express yourself a lot more.

“The way we want to play suits me and you build relationships with the players on the pitch when you play.

“Like I said previously, the team has been quite consistent in terms of who has been playing which helps with the team performance.

“You’re gelling and everyone will be doing better the more you play.

"For me I feel like I’ve been doing OK but I know there’s more to come and I’m really focused on being even better.