SOUTHEND United starlet Mikey Faulkner has turned down an offer from a League One club to stay with the Shrimpers.

The attacking midfielder has been voted Blues’ youth team player of the season after producing a series of impressive performances.

And coach Danny Heath has revealed just how determined Faulkner remains to reach the first team at Roots Hall.

“Mikey has only been here since last summer but I think his loves the club just as much as Beau (MacDonald) who has been here since he was about seven,” said Heath.

“He doesn’t want to leave and it’s a big compliment to everyone at the club that he’s staying after an offer from a League One club.

“He loves it here, he enjoys the youth team and also sees the set up of the first team he’s really keen to keep on working towards.”

Faulkner has already signed his first professional contract with the club.

But he first caught the eye of the Shrimpers after playing against them in pre-season.

"I’ve been very impressed with Mikey and he’s a player that played against us in pre-season for Barking Abbey's academy team," said Heath.

"He stood out in the game and our ex academy coach Ross Johnson was taking their team.

"We spoke to Ross if we could speak to Mikey and dad about coming in to train with us.

"Straight away they said yes and if I remember rightly he came in the very next day so it's all gone from there."

Faulkner was handed a deal after impressing during a 45 minute showing as a trialist for the Shrimpers.

And from there he continued to make the most of the chances coming his way.

"He fitted in right away and we knew he was the right kind of character to be at the club," said Heath.

"He’s a very infectious character and he loves his football.

"When you say someone eats, sleeps, plays, repeat. That’s him.

"He loves playing football and is probably at his happiest when he’s got a ball at his feet."

Faulkner will be doing that again this afternoon as Blues host Dartford at Roots Hall.

And Heath has been pleased with the creative qualities the 18-year-old has already shown this season.

"He likes to get on the ball and be quite creative with his play," said Heath.

"He’s got the most assists for us this season I believe and he can create things in the final third.

"He goes past players and has the ability to pick that final pass.

"His decision making in terms of how many touches to have can be improved but that's part of his development.

"He will learn that and make better decisions the older he gets.