SHAQ Coulthirst’s loan spell at Southend United has been cut short by his parent club Tottenham Hotspur.

The 21-year-old striker had started just two of the Shrimpers’ last 22 matches.

And Blues boss Phil Brown confirmed a lack of regular first team football was behind Spurs’ decision to recall the front-man.

“I couldn’t guarantee the number of games Shaq was going to play if he had stayed so they decided to call him back as they want to do all they can to help him get another contract somewhere,” said Brown.

“Shaq’s current deal with Spurs runs out at the end of the season and I would imagine he will be going out on loan somewhere else before then.

“But it’s due care and attention on their behalf and I have to say I agree with what they’ve done.

“That’s why I didn’t stand in Shaq’s way.”

Coulthirst joined the Shrimpers at the start of the season and scored four times in 25 games.

Only 14 of those appearances came as starts but Brown remains full of praise for the striker.

“From my point of view Shaq did the business for us and scored some important goals,” said Brown.

“He may have only got on the score-sheet four times but they earned us 10 points so he’s certainly played his part.

“He was often able to get in to the right areas and he got a number of chances which unfortunately he couldn’t always convert.

“That’s really why he didn’t start more but he really was fantastic in how he conducted himself around the football club and we all wish him the very best for the future.”

Despite Coulthirst’s departure, Brown still has five senior strikers in his squad.

But he would still welcome the opportunity to improve his attacking options.

“If the right player became available then I would certainly look to bring him in,” confirmed Brown.

“I spoke about it with the chairman about it and he’s shares that opinion which is great news for me.”