SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown insists finalising the strike-force will be the ‘last piece of his jigsaw’ at Exeter City tomorrow.

The Shrimpers have struggled badly for goals this season, hitting the back of the net just 24 times in 41 games.

And Brown will carefully consider who to call upon in attack against the Grecians.

“I’ve got a decision to make on the number nine role and I think it’s going to be my last piece of the jigsaw,” said Brown.

“The rest of the team, in my head, is fixed but I’ve been working towards the selection of that role.”

Brown started with Greg Halford leading the line against Crawley Town last time out.

But he now also has Simeon Akinola back in contention after the striker recovered from the groin problem and the illness which had forced him to miss the last two matches.

“Sim has trained and he’s been another one who has been quite impressive as well,” said Brown.

“I’ve been looking at Emile (Acquah) too and he did well in the 11 v 11 on Monday.

“It’s the same with Greg Halford, Sim and Brandon Goodship really and they are the four I’m thinking of for the number nine role.

“ If we want to make it physical like Barrow did then I think everyone knows which one I will select.

“But if we want to make it more technical then we might all have our headaches where that’s concerned and who we think would be best to play.”

Blues head to Exeter sitting second from bottom in the League Two standings, four points behind Colchester who are currently immediately above the relegation zone with just five games to go.

And Brown is determined to get the best out of his players.

“I’ve got to bring my A game to the party,” said the 61-year-old who returned to Roots Hall for a second spell last week.

“When a team has only scored 24 goals I’ve got to try and find some way of unlocking the potential with how we flow and get into the final third.

“There’s a serious lack of confidence and it’s my job to get that confidence and belief on show on a Saturday. It’s a waste of time seeing it Monday to Friday, we need to have it to show in the final third on Saturday.

“We need that clean sheet mentality too and I want them to go to war with Exeter on Saturday, just like Barrow did in the week.

“They addressed it like it was the end of the world if they lost and we have to do the same."