SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is running the rule over Liverpool centre-back Jakub Sokolik.

The 20-year-old defender, who is from the Czech Republic, lined up for the Shrimpers in a 3-0 win against Colchester United in a behind closed doors friendly at the start of the week.

And Sokolik will now be training with Blues for the next two days as Brown decides whether or not to offer him a deal at Roots Hall.

“Liverpool have allowed Jakub to come to us on trial and I thought he did well when he played at Colchester so I’d like to have a proper look at him,” said the Blues boss.

“He will be coming in to train with the first team today and he will be back in tomorrow and we will see how he does in those sessions.

“From there we will make a decision on what happens next but I certainly wouldn’t mind bringing in another defender.”

Southend currently have just two fit available centre backs in their squad – Mark Phillips and the on loan John Egan.

Luke Prosser (calf), Julian Bennett (cruciate ligaments) and Adam Thompson (calf) are all still sidelined.

And Brown is therefore keen to bolster his options at the back.

Sokolik joined Liverpool from Czech club Banik Ostrava in 2009 but has never played for the first team at Anfield.

His appearances have been restricted to the reserves and under 21 team but last season he managed a combined total of just 10 games because of injuries.