Southend youngster Luke Thurlbourne is the latest under 18's player to sample non-league football this month.

The tenacious central midfielder has been sent out on a work experience spell with Conference South side St. Albans.

Thurlbourne was arguably Southend's man of the match during Ricky Duncan's FA Youth Cup win over Stoke City in January.

And the second year scholar will now spend four weeks away from his team-mates.

"It's testament to the boys achievement this season that clubs are now knocking on our door to take our youngsters on loan," said Duncan.

"This is a great experience for Luke and will help him show the manager here his potential in men's football."

Thurlbourne joins James Lindie and David Obaze out on work experience spells, with the pair currently at Harlow Town.