SOUTHEND’S reserves played out a 3-3 draw against Queens Park Rangers in a behind-closed-doors friendly yesterday.

Marc Laird, Jason Williams and Seedy Njie were all on target for the Shrimpers against a Rangers side which included Bobby Zamora and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

And manager Phil Brown was pleased with the performance against the Championship high-flyers’ second string.

“We threw together quite a strange combination of players but I certainly have a clearer picture of a few things now,” said Blues boss Brown.

“QPR had a few well known players in their side with Bobby Zamora and Shaun Wright-Phillips both playing and a few of our youngsters did well when they came on to help us come back from 3-1 down.”

Laird, Paul Smith, Adam Thompson, Bedsente Gomis, Freddy Eastwood and Craig Read all started for the Shrimpers, who also had trialist Josh Heseltine at right-back.

Heseltine was recommended to the Shrimpers by an American scout after being playing collegiate football in the States.

But, despite being impressed by the full back, Brown does not feel Heseltine is ready for League Two football at this stage of his career.

“Josh is a young lad who we had a look at for our development squad and we could well have another look at him in the future,” said Brown.

“However, at this stage I don’t think he’s ready for our first team.

“I am still looking to bring in another right-back though and I’m hoping to hear back from another manager very soon.”