Southend United defender Harry Kyprianou eager for chance to impress against Southampton

Kyprianou - who made 15 appearances last term - has featured just once so far this season.

But the 21-year-old is keen to be given more opportunities to impress.

“If you think back to this time last season, by now I’d had a really good run in the team and got player of the month,” said Kyprianou.

“I was part of a team winning matches so yes it’s been frustrating to not have had as much involvement so far this season.

“However I know I’ve missed potential opportunities to play for Southend while I’ve been away playing for Cyprus.

“That has been an honour in itself but it’s played a part.”

But Kyprianou is no longer eligible to play for Cyprus’ under 21 team.

“I’ve played my last games for the under 21s now,” confirmed the defender.

“The match against Malta was my last as I’m too old now!

“It’s been a fantastic experience for me and a very proud moment for me and my family.”

Kyprianou would now love to follow in the foot-steps of his Blues team-mate Jason Demetriou by being named in the senior Cyprus squad.

But Kyprianou is focusing firmly on his domestic career with the Shrimpers.

“Of course one day it would be great to get the full call up for Cyprus however at this present moment I’m more focused on the day to day of training well and earning more opportunities at Southend,” said Kyprianou.

“Hopefully the full call up would be something that would naturally follow good progress at club level.”

With that in mind, Kyprianou - whose only appearance so far this season came in the 4-2 defeat against Brentford in the Carabao Cup back in August -is therefore eager to help Blues get back on track tonight.

“Regardless of who plays, whether it be the same 11 that started against Crawley on Saturday or if changes are made, everyone will be striving to put in a good performance,” said Kyprianou.

“We want to get the win to allow us to progress in the competition.”