Hooper helped Hereford to secure promotion (Getty)

Southend manager Steve Tilson hopes the return of striker Gary Hooper will boost their League One play-off hopes.

The 22-year-old has been on loan at Hereford United since January, but has now returned to the Essex club for the remainder of their season.

Hooper scored 11 goals in 19 games in his spell with the League Two Bulls.

Tilson told Southend's website: "His confidence will be sky-high and it's going to be good having another striker in form with us."