JOSHUA Rees is still not sure where he will be playing next season, but has reiterated his interest in joining Southend United.

The Hadleigh based 19-year-old scored when playing as a trialist for the Shrimpers against Leyton Orient on Saturday.

After the game at the Boots & Laces training ground, Blues boss Phil Brown praised the midfielder and insisted he could be invited back to Roots Hall to play in another friendly.

And Rees insisted he would jump at the chance to feature for his home-town club.

“Southend have always been my local team and I would certainly be a convenient move for me,” said the former Southend High School pupil.

“I’ve always kept an eye on their results and loads of my mates support them so they’re all egging me on to sign.

“Phil Brown hasn’t completely closed the door on me joining either which I guess is a positive and if I don’t get fixed up anywhere else then I’ll definitely be giving him another call.”

Rees, who also spent two days training with Southend, was released by Arsenal at the end of last season and spent time on trial with another League Two club, Cheltenham Town.

But he was unable to agree on a deal with the Robins.

“Cheltenham have a tight budget and they weren’t really able to offer me a viable deal,” said Rees.

“I would’ve liked to have sign there and there’s also been a bit of interest from Bristol Rovers and Oxford but I’m in limbo land really.

“There are a few decisions to be made and a lot of players who are trying to clubs.

“I would expect plenty of them to get sorted out in the next couple of weeks when teams look to get their squads sorted for the season ahead.

“And hopefully something can also be sorted out for me during that time.”