SOUTHEND United midfielder Jack Bridge is to spend the next two weeks training with Northampton Town in a bid to earn a move to the Cobblers.

Bridge has made just one start and one substitute appearance for the Shrimpers so far this season.

And Blues boss Phil Brown has therefore allowed Bridge to team up with Town.

“Jack hasn’t really featured for the first team too often this season, and that’s been frustrating for him, so we’ve allowed him to spend the next two weeks with Northampton,” said Brown.

“Their assistant manager Dean Austin obviously knows Jack from his time coaching here last season and he will be there for the next fortnight for their manager to have a look at.

“If Jimmy (Floyd Hasselbaink) likes what he sees then Jack will join them when the transfer window opens in January.

“But he won’t be playing any games for them just yet.

“He’s just gone there to train and then we’ll take things from there.”

Bridge has long been highly-rated throughout the youth ranks at Roots Hall but has struggled to nail down a starting slot in the first team.

The 22-year-old has made 11 appearances for Brown’s side with nine of those coming from the bench.

However, Blues have also decided to secure senior first team football for more of their young players.

Defender Zak Pianim is currently on loan at Isthmian Premier League side Harlow Town, while right-back Dan Humphreys and winger Nico Cotton have teamed up with Lowestoft Town in the same league.

Striker Sewa Marah has joined Isthmian North outfit Aveley and Brown is pleased to see the youngsters picking up more experience.

“It’s good for them to go out and continue their education,” said Brown.

“We’ve had good reports back on them and these games can often be better for their development than them lining up in the under-18s or the under-23s.”

Midfielder Joe Bedford saw his loan spell at Isthmian Premier League team Brightlingsea Regent cut short by a knee injury, while goalkeeper Josh Bexon and striker Dan Walker have now returned from their loan spell with Austrian side FC Kitzbuhel.

But Brown revealed Bexon could be heading back for the start of their new season.

“Josh got more game time than Dan out there so I think it’s quite likely he will go back,” said Brown.

“Their season has finished there now so they are both back with us.”