Friday 15 July 2011 11:54, UK
Jemal Johnson is pleased with how Southend's pre-season preparations are going and hopes their good form can continue.
The Shrimpers have scored eight goals without reply in their opening two friendlies against minnows Dartford and Great Wakering Rovers, and Johnson is keen to keep impressing during this weekend's tournament in Scotland as the club prepare for a promotion push. Johnson told the club's official website: "I don't want to put pressure on myself or the team but with the players and manager we have here we should be up there next season. "We've made a good start to pre-season and I've been pleased with how I've played too but we want to kick on now and do well in this tournament." The 26-year-old American, who joined Southend on a free transfer earlier in the summer, feels he is settling in well, and added: "There are a great bunch of lads here and the spirit we have will help us do well this season."