SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is looking to bring another goalkeeper to the club.

James Hillson, who had been acting as back up to Collin Andeng Ndi, joined National League South side Salisbury City last week.

But Maher is seeking a replacement capable of pushing Andeng Ndi for a place in the starting line-up.

“We’re looking to bring in competition,” said Maher.

“I’ve always wanted to have a competitive goalie department and we will look to try to add to that.

“We aren’t looking to replace Collin, we want to add competition and whoever comes in will have to fight for the shirt.”

Blues had youth team shot-stopper Charlie Brown on the bench for last weekend’s FA Cup clash at Eastleigh but are believed to be in talks with a keeper, currently on the books of a League One club, about a possible loan deal.

Andeng Ndi still looks certain to start after Saturday’s clean sheet.

But the Shrimpers will be without top scorer Gus Scott-Morriss who serves a one match ban after accumulating five yellow cards.

“Gus has been brilliant this year,” admitted Maher.”

“His goals are part of that as well but this (a suspension) is part and parcel of it.”

George Wind, who joined Blues from Billericay Town in the summer, is the favourite to replace Scott-Morriss down the right hand side.

But Maher was not willing to give much away about his team selection.

“I don’t want to go into it too much but we have a couple of options we’ll be having a look at.”

The Shrimpers will welcome back on loan defender Taylor Foran this weekend after his parent club Bromley denied him permission to play in the FA Cup last time out.

However, midfielder Cav Miley and striker Danny Waldron are both still sidelined despite making good progress with their injuries.

“Cav did a little bit of non-contact work with the group,” confirmed Maher.

“Danny did a little bit too but when they’ve been out for such a period of time it’s going to take a while for them to get up to speed and be ready for full team training.

“But they’re coming on and that’s important.”

Waldron has been out since the fourth game of the season with a knee problem while Miley has been sidelined with a back issue since late August.