SOUTHEND United's assistant manager Paul Brush has hinted that the Shrimpers could be interested in signing on loan left-back Charlie Mulgrew on a permanent basis.

The Scottish under-21 international has impressed since arriving from Wolverhampton Wanderers during the January transfer window.

And Brush, himself a former left back, has been pleased by Mulgrew's recent performances.

"Charlie has come here and settled in very well especially when you consider he hadn't actually played a league game this season before joining us," said Brush.

"He's been playing well and we're really pleased with how he's been doing.

"Wolves have lots of players who play in his position which may help us but we haven't actually spoken to them yet about trying to bring Charlie in for longer."

Brush also confirmed that Mulgrew and fellow loanees James Walker and Hal Robson-Kanu would be free to play in the play-offs if the Shrimpers finish in the top six.

And the former Leyton Orient boss is keen to keep them and the rest of his squad feeling fresh.

"At this time of the year you hear teams saying that they're tired and we don't want that to be us," said Brush.

"We're hoping our season will be extended for a few weeks too and because of that we're giving everyone plenty of rest.

"Anyone in the first team had Monday and today off, while those who played for the reserves at Peterborough on Monday were off yesterday as well as today."

Blues could also be boosted by the return of striker Gary Hooper if they make the play-offs.

The forward has impressed while on loan at League Two club Hereford United and was watched by Brush in last night's top of the table clash at MK Dons.

"Gary has done very well at Hereford and has scored a lot of goals," he said.

"We also went to see him not so long ago when they played at Dagenham and it's been a good move for him.

"Gary is with them until the end of the season and we shall look at things again when we know where Hereford and ourselves will be finishing."

But another of Southend's strikers, Charlie MacDonald, could well be set for more first team involvement after scoring both goals for the reserves in their 2-1 win at Peterborough on Monday.

The forward has not started a match since mid-February but caught Brush's eye with his performance in the second string side.

"Charlie was terrific," he said. "He also hit the bar and it was a very worthwhile game for us.

"Franck Moussa played well too and so did Alex Revell, who got another 90 minutes under his belt."