Lowestoft Town have agreed a deal in principle with Southend United for Nico Cotton to remain at Crown Meadow for the rest of the season.

Lowestoft Town have agreed a deal in principle with Southend United for Nico Cotton to remain at Crown Meadow for the rest of the season.

The Shrimpers winger has been a revelation at Crown Meadow since joining on loan and was the Blues’ matchwinner against Enfield last weekend, scoring both goals in a 2-1 win.

The Trawlerboys held discussions this week with Southend about extending his loan spell, which was due to end after today’s match against Burgess Hill Town.

An agreement was quickly reached with the paperwork expected to be completed this weekend for the youngster to stay at Lowestoft for the remainder of the campaign.

“We’ve always said that we want to keep him until the end of the season and once the paperwork is sorted that will be the case.

“They will have a 24-hour call back on him but he has been excellent for us. His first goal (against Enfield) was excellent and showed the skill he’s got.

“There was an element of luck about the second goal but we’re due that and showed his fitness levels that he was still going at his defender late on.”

Lowestoft are hoping to complete another loan signing from Southend in the form of goalkeeper Nathan Bishop upon the news that Jamie Waite is likely to miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.

Waite suffered ligament damage during the Blues’ clash against Hendon last month and Gallagher wants back-up to Jake Jessup.

“We need to have two goalkeepers and Jake needs to know that he’s got to maintain his level to stay in the team. It’s always good to have competition and bringing in Nathan will give us that.”

Rossi Jarvis will miss today’s trip to Burgess Hill with a groin injury whilst Chris Henderson is a major doubt with a rib injury. Harry Barker should be available after coming off at half-time in the win over Enfield.

“We’ve got a few injury doubts but it was great last weekend to look at the bench and see players like Rory McAuley and Chris Henderson on the bench,” added Gallagher. “We’re getting a bit of strength in depth, which helps because the players know they have to maintain a good level to keep their place.”