GLEN REA has been given a glowing reference by his Albion boss – as he prepares for his big chance in League football.

The Seagulls centre-back is expected by sources in Essex to join League One strugglers Southend on loan in the quest for valuable senior experience although the Seagulls have been assessing various options.

Rea helped Albion keep a clean sheet at Roots Hall in one of his two Capital One Cup outings so far this term.

He also played in the 2-1 defeat at Walsall on Tuesday and Chris Hughton believes his performances in two very different tests against third-tier opponents will have done him no harm at all in the quest to secure a deal.

The Albion boss The Argus: “I thought Glen was very good (at Walsall).

“He was very composed at times. It was a different type of game to the first round.

“The Southend game was very direct. He had to deal with a lot more aerial contests.

“On Tuesday it was just about movement around him and I thought he did very well.”

Lewis Dunk’s decision to sign a new contract plus Albion’s exit from the cup have made a loan switch for Rea, which was in the pipeline already, even more of a requirement.

Promoted Southend are off to their worst start to a season for 11 years, having so far failed to win.

Their chief problem is a lack of goals but they also need to strengthen at their own end of the park with boss Phil Brown down to two fit centre-backs.

Hughton stressed the need for Rea to play regularly.

He said: “It has got to be a place where we are sure he will get the games he needs to.”

Bobby Zamora will know more about his chances of featuring in the 18 at Ipswich on Saturday after his performance in an in-house practice match, also involving Andrew Crofts, has been assessed.