SOUTHEND United’s under fire strikers were handed a pre-Christmas boost by impressing in a behind closed doors friendly at Queens Park Rangers yesterday.

Myles Weston and John-Joe O’Toole were both on target for the Shrimpers during a 3-2 defeat.

And Blues boss Phil Brown also heaped praise on Shaq Coulthirst, who has rarely figured in the first team in recent weeks.

“It was a fantastic exercise for us against QPR and we got a lot out of it, especially for our forward players,” said Brown.

“We went with Myles Weston and Shaq Coulthirst in attack and they did well.

“Shaq produced a great performance and Myles got himself a goal he really needed.

“I thought he looked a little shot shy and low in confidence when he came on against Burton on Friday night.

“But hopefully now this goal will settle him down and he can kick on from here.

“It would also be great if Shaq could do the same and force his way back in to contention.

Weston has played in all but two of the Shrimpers’ games this season but has hit the back of the net just twice.

Coulthirst also has two goals his name but he has been on the bench for Blues’ last 10 matches.

The Shrimpers, who drew 0-0 with Burton on Friday night, are still attempting to find an attacking formula which is capable of producing goals on a consistent basis.

They have netted just 22 goals in their 21 league games this season, the lowest total from any team in the top 15 of League Two.

However, Brown remains confident of improving that record and believes O’Toole, who joined on loan from Northampton Town earlier this month, can also help this happen.

“John-Joe needs to get match sharp because he hasn’t played much recently and getting 90 minutes against QPR will help him with that,” said Brown.

“He did well and there were positives all over the pitch. Ben Coker played another 45 minutes which was great to see and Michael Timlin was his usual self in the midfield.”

Blues were also up against a strong QPR side which included Rio Ferdinand, Niko Kranjcar, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Junior Hoilett.

Most of those who lined up for Blues against Burton did not feature in the game and instead trained at Boots & Laces.

However, that did not include Barry Corr who is still struggling with the dead leg he suffered during Friday night’s game.