SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown believes Rhys Murphy could score more goals this season than the Shrimpers netted in total last term.

The summer signing has caught the eye for Blues during the warm up fixtures.

And Brown is backing the striker to make a big impression.

“I have to say I’m really looking forward to seeing him play,” said Brown.

“He looks to me his form is coming in training and he’s scoring goals for fun.

“He’s got a smile on his face and I just hope we keep him on the field of play.

“If we do I honestly think he will get as many goals as we got as a whole team last season.”

Blues netted just 29 League goals last term but Brown has already warned to Murphy's character. 

"The first time we spoke I asked him what type of number nine he liked to play with," recalled Brown.

"He said it didn’t matter and that he just needed space.

"He then said if someone is in that space then he wants the coach to tell them to get out of that space.

"That for me, is somebody who knows what he wants before he’s even stepped onto the field."