ROB Kiernan is unlikely to be returning to Southend United.

The centre-back impressed while on loan from Wigan Athletic earlier on this season.

But Blues would now only be able to bring him back on a short team deal and that is likely to result in boss Phil Brown looking elsewhere.

“We wanted to get back in before the transfer window shut last week because then he could’ve stayed for longer but that isn’t the case now,” said Brown.

“If he came back it would be for something like 10 or 11 days which could still be an option.

“However, it is more likely that we will now be looking at other players.”