Assombalonga keen to extend Southend loan (From Watford Observer)

Watford forward Britt Assombalonga keen to extend Southend United loan

3:25pm Tuesday 11th September 2012 in Sport

Pictures: Action Images

Watford forward Britt Assombalonga is "perfectly happy" to extend his loan spell at Southend United after making it four goals in as many games at the weekend.

Assombalonga scored a first-half brace as Southend beat ten-man Dagenham & Redbridge and the 19-year-old was disappointed he didn't score a hat-trick.

Assombalonga told the Echo; "I am a Southend player at the moment and I’ll speak to the gaffer about what happens next.

"I want to play football, score goals and get 90 minutes under my belt each week so this is a good place to do that.

"I'm learning all the time and I've settled in well so I would be perfectly happy to stay for longer."

Assombalonga’s story is an interesting one as the forward was only playing for his Sunday league team two-and-a-half years ago but he impressed during one of Watford’s community trust courses and was recommended to the Hornets Academy staff.

He was handed a scholarship and subsequently his first professional contract, which was extended until 2013 in March.

Last season Assombalonga excelled during his two loan spells – scoring 11 goals in 15 appearances at Ryman Premier side Wealdstone and five goals in as many games at Braintree Town in the Conference.

His loan spell at Braintree was extended by another month but the Hornets recalled the youngster and he went on to make two starts and two substitute appearances.

With the influx of new signings this summer, Watford decided to loan out the forward and he has played a huge role in Southend winning three games on the bounce.

"I thought it [Saturday's performance] proved Britt's a real predator," Southend manager Paul Sturrock said.

"He was in the right place at the right time and also scored a fantastic header too.

"We're really pleased with how he's progressing and he's learning all the time, but there's plenty of water to go under the bridge before we get in to extending his loan."

Elsewhere, Watford defender Dale Bennett was forced off at half time on Saturday as his loan club AFC Wimbledon lost 2-0 to Northampton Town.

The 22-year-old has made three starts for the League Two club since he joined them on loan.

Dons manager Terry Brown told Ham & High: "Losing Dale Bennett at half-time was a big blow. He’s a big, strong player and very important to us winning the ball.

"In other areas of the park we did okay but you have to be able to cope with the ball into the box and we didn’t do that."

The Hornets other player currently out on loan Adam Thompson has been on international duty with Northern Ireland Under-21s.

He played the full 90 minutes in both Friday's 3-1 defeat to Macedonia and last night's 3-0 loss to Denmark.