SPANISH midfielder Alberto De las Heras is on trial with Southend United.

The 26-year-old, who can play on either wing or just behind the front man, has teamed up with the Shrimpers during their stint training in Malaga.

And De las Heras has already impressed enough to be invited back to England by Blues boss Phil Brown.

“Alberto was recommended to me by a contact I've got in Portugal and he's done very well in the training sessions we've had out here so far,” said Brown.

“It was the perfect time for us to have a look at him and we've all been impressed by his attitude which is excellent.

“He's done well with the ball and is technically very good.

“He can play in a few positions, including on both wings which is a position we're looking to strengthen so we've asked him to come back to England for us.

“We're not exactly sure when that is going to happen at this stage but he could well feature in one or two of the pre-season friendlies we have coming up.”

De las Heras has previously played for Tomelloso, Getafe B, Toledo and Villarrobledo and is now keen on furthering his career in England.

Inaccurate rumours on the Internet have claimed the Spaniard has already signed for the Shrimpers.

But Brown was quick to rubbish those reports.

“I'm not sure why there has been this confusion, but Alberto is definitely on trial and hasn't signed for us,” said the former Hull City chief.

“We will need to see far more of him and see him in a game situation before deciding on his future but his English is certainly starting to improve and so is my Spanish.”