SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell is urgently on the look-out for new signings.

The Blues boss is keen to strengthen his injury hit squad.

And, following his side's poor performance against Portsmouth in the Checkarade Trophy, Powell is determined to quicken the transfer process.

"We’re going to have to speed things up," said the Shrimpers chief.

"We might have to try and get players who weren’t the first or second choice because we can’t wait forever.

"We’ve been told by a number of clubs we have to wait but we have to be urgent."