SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is certain new signing Brooklyn Kabongolo has the potential to be a big hit with Blues.

The 20-year-old centre-back – who has signed for the Shrimpers on a non-contract basis – made his debut late on as a substitute at Rochdale on Saturday.

And Maher is confident the defender will develop into a big player for the National League club.

“We saw him in pre-season and with the attributes he’s got he’s someone we feel we can mould into a player going forward,” said Maher.

“It’s early bringing him in but it’s the position we’re in and we want him around.

“We want him training with us and seeing how we work because there’s potential there.

“I don’t want to get carried away but that’s what it is at the minute.

“It’s a chance for him to be in and around the team.”

Kabongolo started the season lining up for Billericay Town.

And Maher also feels that will have been good for the defender’s development.

“He’s played men’s football for part of the season which is really important,” added the 46-year-old.

“He’s got all the attributes but there’s plenty of work still to do to get to where we want. “