ALAN McCormack has signed a new contract to keep him at Southend United until the end of the season.

The experienced midfielder’s initial deal was due to expire this month.

And the 36-year-old is thrilled to be staying with the Shrimpers.

“I’m delighted to be staying and delighted to be a part of it and hopefully we can get ourselves back up the League where I think we can definitely be,” said McCormack.

“As soon as I came into the club, even though with everything that was going on around it, I’ve still loved every moment being back here.

“I settled back in, felt like I had never been away really, and the performances of late have made me realise that the decision I made was the right one to make.

“I feel we’re getting to where I believed we could do when I first came in.”

McCormack is currently enjoying his third spell with the Shrimpers and has made nine appearances so far this season.

The midfielder has played a huge part in the recent run of improved results which have seen Mark Molesley’s side lose just one of their last eight games.

And McCormack is confident the improvements can continue.

“To see the results and to see the performances increase is very satisfying,” said the Irishman.

“To be around the group and have that ability and that belief to produce those performances consistently.

“Ok the position in the table might look differently, but we don’t feel that we’re that side and we don’t feel that we’ll be there for too much longer if we keep doing what we’re doing.

“That’s hard work, dedication, sacrifices, everything you need to win games on a Saturday and Tuesday.”