FRANCK Moussa will be handed an opportunity to impress when Southend United visit Bury this weekend.

The Shrimpers finish their League One season at Gigg Lane on Sunday.

And Blues boss Phil Brown has confirmed he will be taking a look at Moussa as he decides whether or not to hand the midfielder a deal for next season.

“Franck will play some part of the Bury game this weekend,” said Brown.

“I promised him a chance when he first came back to the club and that’s what he will get on Sunday.

“I’m not too sure how long the opportunity will be for at this stage but we need to have a look at him with regards for next season.

“He’s had a problem with his knee which he’s needed to get over before being involved with the first team.

“But he’s fitter now and will certainly be on the pitch at some stage against Bury.”

Moussa came through the youth ranks at Roots Hall and scored eight times in 102 games before opting to leave at the end of the 2009/10 season.

The Belgian spent time at Leicester City, Doncaster Rovers, Chesterfield, Coventry City and Charlton Athletic but was released by the Addicks in February after an injury-hit spell at the Valley.

He sealed a return to the Shrimpers at the end of March and, since then, has been bidding to get his fitness back.

That has resulted in the 26-year-old Belgian lining up for Blues’ under-21 team.

But he opted not to play against AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday.

“I thought about playing Franck in the game earlier on in the week but he wanted a solid week of training behind him instead,” said Brown.

“He wanted to prepare himself for the Bury game instead which is entirely down to him.”

Moussa has yet to appear for Blues’ first team since returning to Roots Hall.

However, he looks certain to figure this weekend in a game Brown will also use to take a look at a few things for next season.

“One or two will be getting a chance and one or two will be used in slightly different roles as well,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“But it’s still very much a game we want to win so that we can end the season on a high.”

Victory could see the Shrimpers finish the season in 13th place while defeat would condemn them to 15th.

Cian Bolger, who is on loan at Bury from Blues, has been denied permission to play in the game.