SOUTHEND United new boy Jabo Ibehre is relishing a reunion with Paul Brush at Roots Hall.

Ibehre, who is with the Shrimpers for a month after signing on loan from MK Dons, came through the ranks at Leyton Orient under the guidance of Brush.

And the 26-year-old attacker is looking forward to again working with Brush, who is now assistant manager with Blues.

“I have known Paul for many years,” said Ibehre.

“At Leyton Orient he was my youth development officer and then he brought me through as first team manager.

“He gave me my chance so I have a lot of admiration and respect for him.”

Ibehre can play on the right wing or up front and is expected to make his debut in tomorrow night’s home clash with Norwich City.

He is excited at the prospect of again playing first team football and is sure things can go well for him with the Shrimpers, who he recently saw play against MK Dons, “I was very impressed with the team when they played MK Dons the other day,” said Ibehre.

“Steve Tilson and Paul Brush have always put together good sides over the years and they proved so the other week.

“This is an opportunity to go out and get regular football and get some game minutes under my belt.

“You just want to play football and regardless of where that is it’s what you want to do.

“I have been injured so playing some games will help my fitness.”

Despite signing Ibehre, the Shrimpers are still under a transfer embargo.

The attacker was only allowed to sign on an emergency loan after Francis Laurent picked up a hamstring injury during last Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat at Tranmere Rovers.

Similarly, left back Scott Malone also joined on an emergency loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers after Johnny Herd was ruled out for four weeks with a hamstring injury.

And Sean Morrison could only sign from Swindon Town on loan if goalkeeper Ian Joyce was not named in the Southend match-day squad.

That was the agreement made with the Football League which allowed Morrison to join but there are doubts over whether or not the trio of loanees will be able to stay when their month-long spells expire in December.

The league did not allow George Friend to extend his loan spell from Wolves in October and, if they make the same judgement again, then manager Tilson would be left with a squad of just 16 for the busy Christmas period.

That meagre total also includes two goalkeepers as well as Osei Sankofa and Herd, who are currently out injured.