Donovan Ricketts has plenty to shout about after letting in only one goal in ten hours of league football.

On current form, City's keeper went into this afternoon's clash with Hartlepool as the best in the country.

And boss Colin Todd reckons the Jamaican, who is already a firm favourite with the Valley Parade faithful, is making a big noise because he is a loud talker on the pitch.

"The big thing with Donovan is that you can hear him," said Todd. "His voice is loud and you know he is talking, which is so important.

"If you are going to give instructions, the goalkeeper has to make sure they are clear. I know the defenders really appreciate that because they know what the keeper is doing.

"Donovan has got everything going for him because

of his height. He is agile,

composed and his starting positions are very good.

"He's beginning to be very sure of himself from playing regularly."

Nottingham Forest's David Johnson is the only man to beat Ricketts in League One since Southend's second goal at Valley Parade on August 9 - that's one in 594 minutes of action.

Ricketts, who missed nine games through injury, has claimed six clean sheets.

On that form, City are relieved that he signed a two-year deal in the summer, which will head off a potential repeat of the Paul Henderson situation.

The Australian had signed for one season but refused a new contract to take up a more lucrative offer as second-choice stopper with Leicester.