SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown insists Shaq Coulthirst will not be cutting short his loan spell with the Shrimpers.

Coulthirst, who was an unused substitute for Blues at Oxford United on Saturday, had been linked with a return to Tottenham Hotspur and Stevenage were rumoured to be tracking his availability.

But Brown confirmed Coulthirst would not be leaving Roots Hall.

“Shaq is with us until the end of the season and won’t be leaving until then,” said Brown.

“He’s developing nicely and we also have a good relationship with his coach at Tottenham, Paul Brush.

“He’s been on the periphery of things a little bit in the last couple of months but he’s started a couple of games recently.

“I haven’t heard of any other clubs being interested in him and he won’t be returning to Tottenham until the end of the season anyway.”

Coulthirst has scored three goals in 22 appearances for the Shrimpers so far this season.