SOUTHEND United’s out of favour players will be aiming to send a message to manager Phil Brown when a strong reserve team travels to local rivals Colchester United this afternoon.

The Shrimpers have now not triumphed in their last six league games.

And Brown will therefore be looking at the rest of the squad in today’s clash against the U’s — with goalkeeper Paul Smith, midfielders Conor Clifford and Michael Timlin plus striker Craig Reid all expected to figure in the behind-closed-doors friendly.

“We have players in our squad who need 90 minutes and they will get them in this game, which also gives them a chance to impress,” said Brown.

“They need the game to keep their fitness levels up, but it’s also a chance for them to show what they can do ahead of our league game at Oxford United on Saturday.”

Senegalese midfielder Gomis Bedsente will also line up for the Shrimpers as he again looks to prove his worth to the club.

The trialist has already played in a couple of behind-closed-doors friendlies for Blues and Brown previously stated he would love to sign Bedsente, if the club came out of their transfer embargo.

But the Shrimpers chief is still only able to make one more signing due to the restrictions the club are currently under.

Brown is keen to fill that spot with a defender but is making little progress at this stage.

“We’ve got to be patient when it comes to bringing someone in,” said the former Hull City manager.

“But that is starting to wear a little bit thin now.”

However, striker Cauley Woodrow has had his loan spell from Fulham extended for a further month.

As was revealed in Friday’s Echosport the 18-year-old will be remaining at Roots Hall for the next 28 days.

And Brown is pleased to have got the forward’s future sorted.

“It’s all been agreed now and that’s good news for everyone concerned,” said Brown.

“The only slight negative is that there’s now a 24-hour release clause but it’s a busier period coming up and it’s good to have our forwards secured for those games.”

However, midfielder Marc Laird is unlikely to figure soon as Brown added the Scotsman was still two weeks away from returning to training.

Laird injured his hamstring during the 2-0 win against Northampton Town in mid-August and Blues have yet to win since he was forced to the sidelines.