SOUTHEND United striker Charlie Kelman has set his sights on a perfect 10.

The 18-year-old scored his seventh goal of the season in the Shrimpers’ 3-1 win against Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

But the forward is now determined to reach double figures before the end of the current campaign.

“I want to get into double figures for the season,” said Kelman.

“At 18 reaching double figures would be something I would be very proud of and I’m more than capable of doing it too.

“But most importantly I just want to learn as much as I can to become a better player.”

Kelman fired home an impressive 25 yard shot to break the deadlock at the weekend.

And the youngster was thrilled to see the ball hit the back of the net after going six games without a goal.

“Jason (Demetriou) did all the hard work for the goal, with the pressing,” said Kelman.

“I got fortunate with the ball hitting me but JD flicked the ball into my path and I just had to hit the corner. It was very pleasing because I love scoring goals.”

Kelman’s goal sent the Shrimpers on their way to a well-deserved win and the striker has now scored in all four of the games Southend have won in the League this season.

And the forward was thrilled to help Sol Campbell’s side end a run of six successive defeats.

“The game was very pleasing and there’s no better feeling than winning,” said Kelman.

“I thought we deserved the win too.We frustrated them from the off and we worked hard. We got what we deserved in the end.”

Kelman was one of eight players in the starting line-up aged 21 or under. And he is pleased to see so many of his fellow youngsters getting an opportunity to impress.

“It’s good to see all the young boys playing because we’re all so close and we have been playing together for years,” said Kelman.

I’m so happy for all of them they are all showing how good an academy we have and how good the coaches we have at the club are.”

Kelman, who was joined on the score-sheet by 18-year-old winger Terrell Egbri against Bristol Rovers, has been leading the line alone in recent weeks. And he feels as though he is learning all the time in the new role.

“It is hard but it’s a good learning curve for me,” said Kelman.

“It’s teaching me how to use my body and helping me mature at such a young age. I’ll just keep doing what the manager asks and keep learning my trade.”

Next up for the Shrimpers is a tough looking trip to table-topping Rotherham United. But Kelman is looking forward to the test.

“Rotherham are flying and they are grinding out results,” said Kelman.

“But we have shown that we can frustrate teams. We just have to take our opportunities and I think we’re in with a chance.”