SOUTHEND United’s under-21 side head into today’s Final Third Development League Southern Cup final with words of warning from Blues boss Phil Brown.

Jamar Loza, Franck Moussa, Kevan Hurst and Luke O’Neill will all start for the Shrimpers against Swindon Town at the County Ground, while Noel Hunt could also be in contention.

And Brown is keen for the players to impress as they bid to earn themselves new contracts at Roots Hall.

“It’s a cup final and it’s coming up to decision time on players as well, so they’re playing for new contracts and we will want them to impress,” said Brown.

“Places in the first team are also up for grabs for the final two games of the season, so there is plenty to play for in today’s match.”

Highly-rated defender Harry Kyprianou, who is currently on loan at Lowestoft Town, is also likely to figure, along with midfielder Jack Bridge and striker Jason Williams.

They are also out on loan at Chelmsford City where they are managed by Kevin Maher, who is also in charge of Blues’ under-21s.

And Maher believes the youngsters have all benefitted from going out on loan.

“They’re getting the best of both worlds and it’s great for their development,” said Maher. “They’re playing men’s football, which is what they need, but they still get to play for us too.

“That includes the game today and whenever you get into a cup final you obviously want to win it, and that’s certainly the case with us.”

Today’s game kicks off at 2pm.