SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown remains hopeful of signing winger Zavon Hines in time for him to figure against Oxford United in the Checkatrade Trophy tomorrow night.

The 27-year-old has been on trial with the Shrimpers since mid-November.

And Brown is confident the former West Ham United wide-man is now close to completing a switch to Roots Hall.

“Zavon is having talks with the chairman and his agent and I’m hopeful it will get resolved in time for the game tomorrow night,” said Brown.

“But if not then hopefully it will be done in time for Saturday’s game with Coventry.”