TONY McMahon hopes City can put the Hammer down in their play-off push – thanks to their West Ham teenage contingent.

New recruit Josh Cullen has hit the ground running with two polished performances in midfield.

Meanwhile centre half Reece Burke continues to earn plaudits on his season-long loan from Upton Park.

As City look to make it three wins in a week when they host Rochdale tomorrow, McMahon admitted he was not surprised to see the latest starlets off the West Ham production line fit in so well.

He said: "West Ham have done that for however many years. They have always produced top-class players and world-class players, even.

“They have a good reputation down there and they were obviously happy with what Reece has done, which is probably why they have let us take Josh.

"It is a credit to the manager and staff as well. Reece has come in and done brilliantly, but he's had a lot of help from the staff here and it's been easy for him to settle in and enjoy his football.

"Josh has come into a good environment and club here where everyone looks out for everyone.

“It is a nice place to come and play football for him and obviously, it's a step on the senior ladder for him to get some proper games under his belt.”

Cullen, who is battling an illness, had started only two senior games – both in the Europa League during pre-season – before making his first appearance for City in the 4-0 thumping of Peterborough.

But McMahon has no doubts about his quality.

“Josh might be small and look young but he’s got a bit about him,” he said. “I am sure he has got a bright future.

“He came in last week and had a perfect debut, he was brilliant from start to finish.

“He didn’t look fazed and wanted the ball all the time. He got on it, made us tick and put his foot in when he had to.

“He’s done really well for us so far and hopefully he builds on that now.”

McMahon may be the elder statesman in City’s midfield and turns 30 next month. But he can relate to his youthful team-mate after starting with Middlesbrough against Manchester United when he was 18.

He added: “It doesn’t seem two minutes ago since I was making my debut at that age, looking around at the older lads.

"(Gareth) Southgate was the biggest influence for me. He was the captain at the time and really put his arm around all of the young lads.

“Everyone wanted to be like him, the way he trained and the way he was. Throughout the day and every day, he was the perfect captain really.

"If I can help the younger lads coming in and pass on my experience, then great. But Reece and Josh have hit the ground running and don't really need things.

“They just need being let off the leash to go and play. These young lads are fearless and just go out and play football, that's what they are good at.

“We have a good blend here of experienced and young lads. The gaffer has got it spot-on really.

“You look around and if Rozza (Rory McArdle) doesn't play, Nathan Clarke steps in. There’s good experience and some good lads.

“We’re a 'together' squad and that's why we have done so well throughout the season. We stick together and win, lose or draw we keep going.”

McMahon broke Southend’s resistance with a stunning free-kick – his fifth goal of the campaign. He also supplied the corner for James Hanson’s second, to go with the shot that Steve Davies deflected home against Peterborough.

With three wins out of four, play-off hopes have been revived as City head into a run of games against teams in the bottom half.

McMahon said: “We knew we didn't play well against Burton. You can't win every game but you just have to make sure you react in the right way and I think that’s what we’ve done.

"Our goal difference hasn't been great and we have had a lot of 1-0 wins. Don’t get me wrong, we’d take them all day long but it is nice when everything falls into place.

“Our home form has been really good, so if we can go on another run like we did earlier in the season, who knows where it will take us.”