Stefan Payne hoping to continue Shrewsbury Town goal scoring exploits

Including what he admitted was a nightmare debut against Bury – where a repeat of a metatarsal injury forced him off after 12 minutes – Payne went seven games without finding the net for his loan club after arriving from Barnsley, writes Lewis Cox.

But Town chief Hurst never lost faith in the striker and Payne was happy to reward that by netting the winner against Rochdale and a crucial equaliser against near rivals Walsall.

With Hurst believing the hitman is now showing supporters a glimpse of his ability, Payne is likely to play a key part as high-flying Southend visit Greenhous Meadow tomorrow.

His drought in front of goal had sections of supporters questioning why he remained firmly in Hurst's thoughts and Payne, who joined Barnsley from non-league Dover, revealed that the run was taking its toll.

He said: "You do definitely put a bit of pressure on yourself to get that first goal and when it doesn't come in the first, second or third game then you start thinking about it a lot more. But (when you score) you do feel like the world's lifted off your shoulders. I feel that I've now contributed and hopefully I can contribute more and keep us up.

"I've got a very good relationship with them both (Hurst and Chris Doig). They've been very patient with me and shown a hell of a lot of faith in me so it's good to give something back to them.

"The injury was one of those things, you can't sit down and mope about it. You've got to work hard and get back to it. You hope to get the rewards."

Southend are the joint-third top scorers in League One and just a point from the play-offs, but were left reeling by a shock home defeat to MK Dons on Easter Monday and have lost three of their last four. A start against the Shrimpers will be Payne's fifth in a row and the forward knows that making an impression against the promotion-chasers will further aid his cause when returning to his parent Championship club.

Payne's career has been a little unorthodox and had its fair share of setbacks. He was with Fulham as an 18-year-old before moving on to Gillingham, but things didn't work out and Payne dropped into non-league, where he spent four prolific years.

"I'd like to be a big part in the rest of the season by scoring goals," added the 25-year-old.

"It'll be very good on my CV to come here, help keep Shrewsbury up and kick on, that'll take me back to Barnsley with massive confidence."

Jamie Vardy has set the tone for non-league footballers reaching the top leagues further down the line in their careers and while Payne is unsure on the 'late bloomer' tag, he admits to having it tough.

"I've been there and dropped down but I've got a chance now," he added.

"I had to learn the hard way. With Fulham and Gillingham I was very young and didn't have any experience of professional clubs and how to act.

"I've matured a hell of a lot.

"It's how you react to certain things, my loan spell at Shrewsbury has been very frustrating but I've stuck at it and now I'm getting the rewards."