Former Billericay Town striker Steve Jones is set to join Southend United on loan for the rest of the season from Bristol City.

The 29-year-old hitman was expected to link-up with Shrimpers' players in training this morning and should make his full Shrimpers debut against Chester City at Roots Hall this Saturday.

"We are confident of finalising Jones' move here today so we can throw him straight into First-team action at the weekend," confirmed Blues boss Alan Little.

Jones, who lives in Benfleet and has played for West Ham, Charlton Athletic and Bournemouth, was so desperate to join Southend that he quit Second Division Brentford a week early to move to Roots Hall.

The popular forward was nearing the end of a two-month loan period at Griffin Park.

Little is more than pleased with his temporary capture, who starred in Charlton's First Division Wembley play-off final victory against Sunderland two seasons ago.

"I remember Steve from his days at Bournemouth and he has the ability to be a very dangerous player," said the Shrimpers chief.

"Steve has a good goalscoring record at this level and is a big lad who is hard to handle and gives defenders a rough time.

"He also has bags of pace and is a great-runner, but the biggest boost of all is that Steve is a local boy and he is desperate to come and play for Southend."

Jones moved to second division Bristol City last summer for £500,000, but has found the net just twice in 19 appearances.

Southend's transfer-listed frontman Neil Campbell is still considering over a proposed £15,000 switch to Conference League Doncaster Rovers.

"As far as I know Southend have accepted a bid from Doncaster, but the final decision is up to me," he said.

"It's my choice because I've got another season left on my contract at Roots Hall and I'm not sure if I want to drop out of the league."

Blues' reserves won 1-0 at Oxford United in the Avon Insurance Combination League last night. Neville Roach sealed all three points with a 16th-minute far-post header from Gordon Connelly's free-kick.

Shrimpers trialists, Bolton Wanderers keeper Matthew Glennon, African defender Arthr Correia and Saffron Walden midfielder Scott Hodges, all gave a good account of themselves.

Loan - Steve Jones

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