SOUTHEND United have missed out on a loan swoop for Manchester City defender Adam Drury.

Shrimpers boss Phil Brown had been keen to bring the youngster in on loan to provide cover and competition in the full-back positions.

But Drury has opted against making the switch and is now expected to join St.Mirren.

“Adam feels playing in the Scottish Premier League will give him more exposure than playing in League Two,” confirmed Brown.

“However, Manchester City also wanted certain assurances about him playing and I wasn’t prepared to give them that.

“I said I would give him a chance and that if he played well he would stay in the side, just like I do with all the loan players we bring in.

“I’m not going to say anyone is definitely going to play because it doesn’t work like that and I also don’t think it would be fair on the players we already have at the club.”