SOUTHEND United have completed the loan signing of defender Cian Bolger from Bolton Wanderers.

The 21-year-old centre-back will be with Blues for the next 28 days and looks set to make his debut at York City tomorrow.

Shrimpers boss Phil Brown said: :“We’ve been tracking the lad for a few weeks now and the reports from our chief scout Bob Shaw on him have been very impressive.

“He’s not played first-team football with Bolton, but I saw him against Spurs’ under-21’s and it was a very dominant defensive performance against a strong side.

“He’s a big voice on the pitch and has all the attributes of strong defender. “

Irishman Bolger has previously been on loan with Colchester United and Bristol Rovers.

He will now be hoping to impress for Blues who have struggled at the back since Luke Prosser was sidelined with concussion and a calf injury.