SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has allowed young midfielder Jack Bridge to join Chelmsford City on loan but insists his long term future remains with the Shrimpers.

Bridge will spend at least the next month lining up for the Clarets in Conference South.

And Brown believes playing at Melbourne Park will be of huge benefit to the 19-year-old.

“We rate Jack very highly and believe this loan switch to Chelmsford will be of huge benefit for him,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“He’s not quite ready to figure in our first team at this stage of his career but going out and getting games at a good level will enhance his game.

“But this loan spell has all been done with his long term future in mind and that will definitely be at Southend United.

“The way he plays is very similar to Jack Payne and he is a bright prospect for us.”

Bridge, a former Eastwood School pupil, has been with Blues since the age of nine and also grew up supporting the club.

He remains keen to force his way through in to the first team at Roots Hall.

And the midfielder certainly did his chances no harm by excelling during a loan stint with Soham Town Rangers in Ryman Division One North earlier on this season.

“Jack murdered it at that level and was involved in virtually all of Soham’s goals during his time there,” said Brown.

“In truth, I think it was probably a bit too easy for him playing at that level.

“We’ve therefore sent him out to play in a tougher league now and hopefully he can do as well for Chelmsford as Jason Williams did during his loan spell there.”

Bridge has yet to appear for Southend’s first team but has been an unused substitute three times this season.