CAMERON Belford could be heading for a third loan spell with Southend United.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper only left Blues last weekend after completing a month-long switch from Bury.

But, if tests on Paul Smith’s concussion today rule him out for more than a fortnight, then Belford could well return in time to face Exeter City at Roots Hall tomorrow.

And Southend boss Paul Sturrock admitted he was looking at delving back into the loan market.

“Smithy will be in today for more checks and the results of those will dictate what happens,” said Sturrock.

“A decision will be made this morning and if he’s out for a little while then we could well look to bring someone in because I don’t want to put the boy Bentley in to a situation he’s not ready for.

“If Paul is out for just one game then I have every confidence in Daniel because he dealt with what came his way at Gillingham in the week and didn’t look at all out of sorts.

“However, a decision can only be made after we get Paul’s results back.”

Belford ended last season with Blues and kept eight clean sheets in 15 games before returning to the club for another loan spell at the start of this season.

The shot-stopper played five games before losing his place to Smith but the former Brentford keeper was stretchered off against Gillingham on Tuesday night after suffering concussion.

That could result in Belford’s return and the move could happen despite Southend currently still being under a transfer embargo.

For Blues currently have just one fit goalkeeper and the transfer could therefore be completed as an emergency loan.

As well as that, Southend could also do the deal as a loan extension as five days have not yet passed since Belford’s original deal expired.

This is also not affected by the embargo and was how Britt Assombalonga was able to extend his loan spell from Watford last week as Blues were not under an embargo when the first deal was done.