Adam Thompson admits he spoke with former Watford team-mate and ex-Southend United loanee Britt Assombalonga before his loan move to the Shrimpers.

Thompson was told he has no future at Watford this summer and on Friday he joined Southend on loan until January 4.

The League Two club also had ex-Watford striker Britt Assombalonga on loan last season and Thompson said he spoke to his friend about the club before agreeing to the move.

Thompson said to the Echo: "Britt told me it was a really good club and that everyone was really down to earth there. He said the lads were great and that it would be a good place for me to go and play."

The defender captained Northern Ireland Under-21s on Wednesday and scored as they went down 4-1 against Denmark.

The 20-year-old hopes his performances on the coast will help him earn his place back in the full Northern Ireland squad.

He said: "I’ve played twice for the senior team and I obviously want to get more caps with them. For that to happen I need to be playing regularly and be playing well too, so I’m hoping I’ll be able to do that while I’m with Southend."

Despite the fact Thompson only signed for the Shrimpers on Friday, he went straight into the squad for the 1-0 win at Hartlepool the following day, coming off the bench to play the last seven minutes.

Speaking after the game to the Southend website, Thompson said that it was a great start and was really pleased to be able to play some part in the game.

He said: "I was made to feel really welcome by the captain John White and the manager when I joined up with the team on Friday and Saturday was a great way to get started. You can see from just that one game just how hard the team works and exactly how the manager wants us to play."