SOUTHEND United’s on-loan centre back Piotr Malarczyk is in line to make his Shrimpers debut against Bradford City this weekend.

The Polish defender has been on the bench for six successive games since signing on a temporary basis from Ipswich Town.

But he could be he handed his first start when the Bantams visit Roots Hall on Saturday.

“We need some extra height in the back four due to the threat of James Hanson and Piotr is certainly in my thoughts,” said Brown.

“It’s been frustrating for him since coming here and I’ve had quite a few conversations with him about why he’s been brought in.

“The bottom line is he wants to play and we still have two games left for that to happen.”

Brown has opted to line up with Adam Thompson and Adam Barrett at the heart of the back four for the last nine games.

However, Malarczyk could now be handed an opportunity to impress.

And that could also lead to him coming back to Roots Hall next season.

“We’re not too sure what’s happening with Piotr but if he does well for us in the remaining matches then he could be in our thoughts for next year too,” said Brown.

“But at the moment we’re just thinking about Saturday and making sure we get a good result against Bradford.”