TOTTENHAM Hotspur midfielder Chay Cooper has returned to Southend United on a short-term basis to get game time with the under 23s.

The 18-year-old impressed for the Shrimpers in his youth before being snapped up by Spurs where he signed as a scholar.

But he has now come back to Blues on a temporary basis to continue his development and coach Craig Fagan is happy to have him to call upon.

“He’s not on trial and he’s still with Tottenham but he wants to play games,” said Fagan.

“He hasn’t played too many games for their under 23s so he’s with us now to play same matches, I think until Christmas.

“He’s one we know and trust.

“He’s another one with good ability but he maybe just needs to work on the other side of the game.”

Cooper has played in the last two games for the Shrimpers under 23 side and started Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat at Oxford United.