Friend happy with his new mates

Friend won promotion to the Football League with Exeter City in 2008

Southend United's on-loan defender George Friend says he is looking forward to playing more first team football in Essex.

The former Exeter full-back has joined the Blues for a month from Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

And the 21-year-old made his Southend debut when he came on as a second-half substitute at Brighton.

Friend told BBC Essex: "I'm looking forward to doing well here, although I'm still learning the lads' names."

Although Friend has signed for Southend initially for a month, that could be extended.

"I've heard good things about [manager] Steve Tilson and all the people down here," said the defender.

And after playing a part in Southend's first away win of the season at the Withdean Stadium, Friend now wants to be involved from the start of games.

"That's the main thing, that's why I've come down," he said.

"If I was playing up there [at Wolves] I probably wouldn't be involved.

"I'm so pleased to come here and play in this team."