YOUCEF Bouamrane played an hour as a trialist for Southend United in their 0-0 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon.

The French born Algerian, who has played for Maldon & Tiptree in Ryman One North this season, has also been training with Blues this week.

But the defender is unlikely to challenge the other centre-backs already at the club, according to the Shrimpers’ first team coach Graham Coughlan.

“Youcef came in and did well until he blew up after about an hour and had to come off,” said Coughlan.

“He gave a good account of himself and was tidy in what he did but he’s probably not able to challenge the other defenders we already have in our first team squad.”

Bouamrane lined up alongside Cian Bolger and Luke Prosser at the back in a behind closed doors friendly at the Seagulls’ training ground.

Jason Williams missed the Shrimpers best chance of the game while Ellis Brown and Conor Clifford also went close.

But, although he was pleased with the performance, Coughlan was left ruing a lack of quality in the final third of the pitch.

“It was an excellent exercise played at a lovely facility but the score-line reflected what happened in front of goal at both ends,” said the Irishman.

“Brighton had one or two well known players in their team so it made for a good game and it was quite feisty in the midfield with Conor Clifford and Gary Deegan in there for us.

“All the young lads came off the bench and it was a game I’m sure everyone got a lot out of it too.”

Southend United: T Smith, Bouamrane, Bolger, Prosser,Brown, Deegan, Clifford, Bridge, Cotton, Weston, Jason Williams

Substitutes (all used): Matsuzaka, Scott, Layne, Adeyeye, Jordan Williams, Bexon & Gard