Southend United boss Steve Tilson has told James Walker to continue his recent good performance.

The 21-year-old striker has often been below his best this season and had been linked with a switch back to Yeovil Town after falling out of favour at Roots Hall.

But Walker was superb as a substitute at Leyton Orient on Tuesday night, scoring a stunning late equaliser.

And Tilson now wants that to be a sign of things to come for the former Charlton Athletic forward.

"James was fantastic when he came on the other night and we want him to keep that up now," said the Blues boss.

"It's not ideal getting all these injuries but the one thing it does do is give other players a chance to impress.

"That includes James and he certainly took his opportunity against Orient. "We have never ever doubted his ability and he was very positive on Tuesday.

"We want to see that from him more often now and if he could do that on a consistent basis then he's going to be worth a lot of money in the future."

Walker now looks set to start this Saturday's clash with Yeovil Town following injuries to Alex Revell, Francis Laurent and Dougie Freedman.

But Tilson wants the Blues fans to get right behind the youngster in a bid to help him perform.

"At times this season James has taken a bit of stick from our supporters and it certainly hasn't helped him," said the 42-year-old.

"It's made him go into his shell a little bit and has certainly made him less confident.

"James, like most of our side at the moment, is very young and it is important the supporters continue to encourage us which I'm sure they will do because they have been brilliant again this season."