JOHN White is backing new loan signing John-Joe O’Toole to shine at Southend United.

White played alongside the attacking midfielder during their time together at Colchester United.

And White, who skippers the Shrimpers, is sure O’Toole will impress during his time at Roots Hall.

“John-Joe is someone who is really difficult to get the ball off and has good feet,” said White.

“He has a hell of a shot on him and can score goals too.

“He showed that at Bristol Rovers last season and has the habit of being in the right place in the right time.

“He will add nicely to our squad and I’m looking forward to linking up with him again.”

O’Toole will go straight in to the squad for tomorrow’s clash against his parent club, Northampton Town, at Roots Hall.

Blues head in to the game on the back of three successive league wins.

And White insists confidence could not be higher among Phil Brown’s side.

“Getting a few wins breads confidence and we’re seeing that now place the place is buzzing, said the 28-year-old.

“If I’m honest we never really lost belief because when things weren’t going as well as they should’ve been we knew we weren’t far away.

“It was only a matter of time until things turned around again and hopefully we can make it four wins in a row now when we take on Northampton.”

The Cobblers are currently 14th in the table but saw off Stevenage 1-0 last weekend.

And White believes Chris Wilder’s side will be tough to beat at Roots Hall.

“It’s another difficult game but one we’re looking to get the three points,” said the defender.

“Northampton have a good squad which has real depth but we have that now too.

“It’s good to have that pressure on the players because we maybe didn’t have that last season and I do feel as though it makes a difference.”

Blues now have various options at the back and White has lined up at left-back for Blues’ last two matches.

Both of them have seen the Shrimpers triumph and White does not mind lining up on the opposite side of the back four.

“If you can play right-back then you can play left-back too,” said White.

“The ball is coming on to my weaker foot a few times but it’s not too bad.

“I’m just happy to be doing a job for the team and I would be happy to do it again tomorrow if needed.”

Blues are expected to be without Ryan Leonard (groin) this weekend with Gary Deegan, Conor Clifford and Will Atkinson all battling to replace him in the centre of the park.