SOUTHEND United boss Steve Tilson is excited by the standard of his side's pre-season showings.

The Shrimpers continued their preparations with a 0-0 draw at Canvey Island on Friday night and a 4-0 win at Thurrock on Saturday.

But Tilson knows he must strengthen his squad to mount another push for promotion this season.

"I think we're looking really good at the moment but I still want to bring in another four players before we get going for real," said Tilson, who is believed to want a left back, centre back, midfielder and striker.

"We're short of numbers and that's something we obviously need to sort out.

"But I've been encouraged by the friendlies so far and I think we're looking good.

"The games are more about fitness and at Canvey on Friday we fielded a young side and it was good for them to get the 90 minutes.

"But against Thurrock we fielded stronger team and looked very sharp indeed, which is great when you consider we've only really been back a couple of weeks and this is the first time a lot of the lads have played a full game for quite a while."

Tilson used the two matches to field his whole squad and also introduced a number of the club's promising youngsters, with the likes of Johnny Herd, Stuart O'Keefe and Ronnie Jones all playing a part.

"These games will do them the world of good," he said.

"Stuart has come in and he's scored a great goal at Thurrock, while at the back Ronnie has also figured in both games and has done himself no harm at all."

Southend continue their pre-season preparations with a home clash against Premier League Fulham tomorrow.

But Tilson's work will also continue off the pitch.

He is keen to bring in left back Charlie Mulgrew on a permanent basis from Wolverhampton Wanderers and his transfer kitty has been boosted by the departure of Gary Hooper to Scunthorpe United.

The 20-year-old opted to join the Iron ahead of both Stockport County and Cheltenham Town.

And the deal will see the Shrimpers receive an initial £125,000 and could eventually rise to £175,000.

"I think it's a good deal for everyone concerned," said Tilson.

"We gave Gary opportunities but it never really worked out for him here.

"I think he needed a move and at the same time price-wise it's worked out well for us, especially as he's someone we signed on a free transfer."