SHANE O’Connor is set to feature for Southend United on trial during a behind-closed-doors friendly today.

The Essex club have a policy of not naming triallists, but the EADT and Evening Star understands that Ipswich Town’s soon to be out of contract youngster will be among a host of players the Shrimpers are taking a look at.

The 21-year-old returned to Portman Road at the weekend having failed to make a single first team appearance during a one-month loan spell at League Two side Port Vale.

The versatile left-sided player – a Republic of Ireland Under-21 international – is one of 16 players in the final six months of their Town contracts.

Signed by Roy Keane in 2009, O’Connor become a fans’ favourite with his energy and direct running. However, after starring in the 3-0 home win over Leicester little over a year ago – a game memorable for the snow storm conditions – he found himself quickly out of favour with new boss Paul Jewell.

His only appearance under the current manager was a 16-minute cameo as a sub in the second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final at Arsenal last January.

Jewell accepted a bid for O’Connor from newly-promoted League Two club Crawley in the summer after he impressed there on trial, however, the player turned the move down.