SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has hinted Jack Payne could soon be recalled to the starting line-up.

The attacking midfielder has started just three of the Shrimpers' last nine games.

But, with the pitches beginning to get better, the 20-year-old is now back in Brown's thinking.

“The surfaces are improving and maybe this is Jack Payne's big moment,” said the Blues boss.

“We have 12 games to go and with the pitches getting better maybe we can play a bit more football again.

“Jack hasn't been allowed to blossom just lately but the next couple of months might be time for him to come back in.”