Southend United manager Alvin Martin confirmed today that he has not given up hope of bringing Northern Ireland international defender Barry Hunter back to Roots Hall.

The 29-year-old centre-half has just returned to Second Division Reading after spending a successful month's loan spell with the Shrimpers.

However, Blues boss Martin wants to bring back the towering stopper, who is out of contract at the end of the season, back to Roots Hall on loan for the rest of the current campaign.

"I'm hoping to speak to Reading boss Tommy Burns today to find out what Barry's situation is," said Martin.

"He is a player I would like to have at Southend until the end of the season, but even if he did come back he would be ineligible for a few games as he is away on international duty.

"If we are unsuccessful in our attempts to bring him back again I have other defenders here who can take his place and do a good job for us.

"Both Leo Roget and David Morley should take this chance to prove themselves and show me that I don't need to bring anybody else into the club."

Hunter, who is preparing to face former World Champions Germany in a European Championship qualifier in Belfast later this month, is a £150,000 transfer target for First Division sides Birmingham City and QPR.

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