SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has confirmed he is not looking to oust John White from the starting line-up.

The Shrimpers chief has looked at a number of right-backs on trial during pre-season.

But Brown insisted that does not mean he is looking to replace White, who remains club captain.

“I need cover at full-back, full stop,” said Brown.

“I’m not looking to replace John by any stretch of the imagination because we need his influence on the team.

“However, the bottom line is we need to bring in at least two more defenders.”

Former Hereford United defender Dan Leadbitter is the latest to be on trial and he was again in action for the Shrimpers in yesterday’s behind-closed-doors friendly against Colchester United.

The 23-year-old has also previously played for Torquay United and Brown has been impressed by his performances.

“Dan is coming along nicely and could well be an option for us as a right-back,” said Brown.

“We have the option of moving John (White) to centre-back and I’ve had that conversation with him now.

“He’s perfectly happy there just as long as he’s playing and he handles playing there better than most full-backs too.”

Former Peterborough United midfielder Dominic Green also lined up as a trialist for the Shrimpers yesterday, along with striker Rowan Liburd.

Both of them entered the action midway through the second half, along with ex-QPR winger Angelo Balanta.

And Brown was happy to see them all in action.

“Dominic played against us for Braintree at the weekend so we had a look at him and also Rowan again as well,” said Brown.

“The trialists are getting fitter all the time and I’m getting a better picture on them now.”