FORMER Watford defender Joy Mukena is to remain on trial with Southend United.

The 20-year-old, who played the second half for the Shrimpers in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday, has been training with the under-23s this summer.

And Blues’ academy manager Ricky Duncan will still be looking at the centre-back this week.

“Joy has been in with us and he will be with us this week too for us to have a look at,” said Duncan.

“We always have a look at players from outside as well and Joy went up with the first team at the weekend along with Richard Taylor, who is another player we brought in earlier in the summer.

“It’s good experience for them but Joy will be with us a few more days and then we will make a decision.”

Mukena began his career with Tottenham Hotspur before moving to Watford in 2017, where he went on to sign professional terms.

The 20-year-old was named on the bench for the Hornets’ 4-1 win against Chelsea in February 2018 but failed to get onto the pitch.

Mukena did not make a first team appearance while at Vicarage Road and is now on the lookout for a new club after leaving Watford at the end of last season.

The defender could follow in the footsteps of Harry Kyprianou, who joined Blues after leaving Watford back in 2015.