SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher feels new boy Marcus Dackers will boost his side in both boxes.

Striker Dackers - who is six foot seven inches tall - has joined Blues on a month long loan from Salford City.

And Maher is confident the 19-year-old can make a big impression.

“His size is a major asset in both boxes,” said Maher.

“That will be important to us and he’s someone who will occupy defenders.

“He will bring others into the game as well and he’s got a decent record goalscoring wise during his time on loan at Chester.

“He’s something different to what we already have and he’s a decent footballer as well.”

Dackers played for both Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion during his youth before joining Salford in July 2021.

Since then, Dackers has impressed while out on loan with Stalybridge Celtic and Chester.

The forward scored seven goals in eight league games for Stalybridge and netted eight times in 19 league appearances for Chester.

And he was brought to the attention of Maher earlier this season.

“He was a name brought to us a little while ago and he’s someone we’ve looked at and kept an eye on,” said the Blues chief.

“When the chance came to do it we went for it and we’re grateful to the club for allowing us to do it.”

Dackers will be pushing to make his Shrimpers debut at Chesterfield tomorrow and Maher will not be short of options in attack.

Callum Powell, Chris Wreh and Aaron Cosgrave are also available while Jake Hyde could also be back in contention after recovering from a hamstring injury.

But Maher - who still has Rhys Murphy and Harry Cardwell out injured - believes competition for places is crucial.

“It’s good to have options and those with the shirt will have to do enough to keep it,” said Maher.

“We want to score more goals and the lads coming back from injury will take time to get fully up to speed.

“It gives them time to do that now too.”

READ MORE

>Ronnie Pountney pays tribute to ex Blues boss