SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown believes Shaq Coulthirst could bring something different to the Shrimpers.

Coulthirst, who had a loan spell with Blues during the 2014/15 season, has been training at Boots & Laces since the start of last week.

And Brown is continuing to take a look at the 26-year-old.

"Shaq is in to get himself fit and available for a career here or a contract somewhere else," said Brown.

"We’re serving each other a purpose where that’s concerned but Shaq has impressed quite a bit.

"He’s got up to speed and dropped about three kilos since he came in.

"He’s spiked the likes of Rhys Murphy, Sam Dalby, Hamzad (Kargbo), Matty Rush and Matty Dennis because they’re all trying to get in the team and score goals.

"But I’d like to keep an eye on Shaq and he’s certainly doing things other players at the football club can’t do."

Coulthirst scored four goals in 25 games while on loan with the Shrimpers and has since gone on to play York, Wigan, Peterborough, Barnet and Boreham Wood.