EXCITING young forward Isaac Layne will join Southend United's development squad tomorrow.

The 19-year-old, who is reported to have a medical at Southend tomorrow, starred for Billericay Town last season, scoring a number of important goals, and that did not go unnoticed.

He has been on trial with Championship side Charlton Athletic for the past fortnight and has done enough to show Shrimpers chief Phil Brown he has what it takes to compete in the football league.

Layne played 45 minutes against Southend for Billericay in a pre-season friendly two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, Billericay have signed ex-Southend trialist Rowan Liburd to replace Layne. 6ft 4in Liburd impressed both Brown and Town boss Craig Edwards and he will join up with the Ryman Premier League team immediately.

He is currently recovering from a hand injury sustained whilst playing for Southend in pre-season and could miss the opening week of the season.