SOUTHEND United manager Mark Molesley is pleased to have brought Reeco Hackett-Fairchild to Blues – five months after first trying to sign him.

The Portsmouth forward has joined the Shrimpers on loan until the end of the season.

And Molesley is delighted to have finally added him to his squad.

“He’s a player we’ve known about for some time,” said Molesley.

“We tried to get him when we first came to the club but unfortunately we weren’t in a position to make that happen at the time.

“He went to Bromley and he’s done well.

“He’s played all across the front line and out wide so he plays in a lot of position.

“He brings competition for places across the whole front line. “He’s a talented and exciting player and one we’re very much looking forward to seeing in action.”

Hackett-Fairchild will go straight into the Shrimpers’ squad for Saturday’s crunch clash with Barrow at Roots Hall.

And Molesley feels the 22-year-old will prove to be a good addition.

“He’s young, athletic and energetic but he’s not a pup either,” said Molesley.

“The Conference is an unforgiving league and he’s performed well in there to get his move to Portsmouth and also when on loan.

“He’s got a nice balance of youthful energy and a bit of experience of men’s football. “