ASHLEY Nathaniel-George insists he jumped at the chance to join Southend United.

The 25-year-old winger has joined the Shrimpers on a permanent basis from Crawley Town.

And he cannot wait to get started with Blues. 

"I’m excited to be here and happy to get it over and done with," said Nathaniel-George.

"I wanted a change of scenery and to play more and hopefully I can do that here.

"I’ve spoken to the gaffer and he’s told me what he wants to achieve, how he wants to achieve it, playing good football and I think part of my game is to play football the right way."

Nathaniel-George had been with Crawley since the summer of 2018 and made 57 appearances for the League Two club the Shrimpers faced on Saturday.

And the winger is keen to add another dimension to Blues. 

"I like to take on players and hope to bring goals and assists to the team," said Nathaniel-George.

"I’ve been mostly used on the left wing but either is fine.

"I just enjoy playing really and I’m really optimistic about the future too.

Blues brought in Nathaniel-George after on loan winger Jordan Green was forced onto the sidelines with an ankle injury.

And boss Mark Molesley believes the winger will prove to be an exciting addition.

“Ash is another exciting player," said Molesley.

"He’s got really good attributes, he’s skilful, very quick and exciting so I think he’s one that will have people on the edge of their seat.

"He definitely gives us another attacking option and he’s still young enough to get a lot better, so we’re getting him at a good age.

"As a coaching staff we’re all going to be working hard together to unlock that potential.

"He’s come out of non-league into the league and done well and I think last year had quite a lot of interest in him, so he’s a real coup for us to get him into the building.

"He’s scored goals in League Two so he knows the level and he’s another one who is hungry to push on and climb up the leagues, and hopefully he can do that with us."

Nathaniel-George was with Hendon and Potters Bar Town before making the move to Crawley.