SOUTHEND United striker Noel Hunt believes developing a greater understanding will enable the Shrimpers to end their goalscoring drought.

Blues head to Coventry City tomorrow evening having failed to score in four successive matches for the first time in nine years.

But Hunt is certain Southend will start to net more regularly once their new look attack starts to gel.

“We need to understand each other and know each other’s game inside out in order to get the best from us all,” said the Irishman.

“It might be a case of an earlier cross or a later cross because it’s those types of things that do make a difference.

“At the moment everyone is still trying to learn everyone else’s game.

“It’s going to click soon, it’s just a matter of time, staying patient and keeping that belief.

“But hopefully it will come together against Coventry.”

Hunt will also be aiming to net his first Shrimpers goal since arriving at the club on the eve of the season.

The 32-year-old has failed to score in his first three outings for the club.

And he is still being troubled by a heel problem which has disrupted his start to the campaign.

“I got the injury against Brighton and I’m still recovering from it now,” said Hunt.

“It’s easing off for me to play and I’ve put a hole in the back of my boot so it takes the pressure off it a bit which seems to be helping so it’s getting there.”

As a result, Hunt will be free to figure at the Ricoh Arena tomorrow.

But the striker is expecting a stern test against the in-form Sky Blues who have won three of their first four league games.

“Coventry will be up there this year so we’re in for a difficult game,” said Hunt.

“Their manager Tony Mowbray is very highly respected and he will definitely have them well organised.

“They have good players but we will do our homework and make them worried about us.”

Blues have new signings – left winger Stephen McLaughlin and centre-back Glen Rea – available for the game.

And boss Phil Brown believes their arrival has boosted his squad.

“The new faces have given everyone a lift, including myself,” said the 56-year-old.

“It also means I’ll have selection headaches but that’s what I want and it’s what you need as well.

“Coventry have started well and they’re a big club but we have nothing to fear.

“We’ve played well in four of our five games so if we can keep utilising the ball like we have been doing and then finish things off then we have a chance.”

Blues are again expected to be without winger Kevan Hurst (hamstring) and centre-back Cian Bolger (shoulder).