SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown insists Dru Yearwood is ‘nudging very close’ to his starting line-up for Saturday’s clash with Plymouth Argyle.

Brown is desperate for his Shrimpers side to bounce back from Saturday’s 5-0 drubbing at Rotherham United.

And that could see the Blues boss turning to the highly-rated 17-year-old midfielder.

“Dru is nudging very close to the team and has more than half a chance of starting at the weekend,” said Brown.

“I wasn’t at the under 23 games yesterday because I was on the way to Plymouth but those who were were eulogising about his performance.

“I also thought Theo Robinson did well when he came on at a difficult time and Rob Kiernan could be in my thinking if he’s come through the games OK.”