SOUTHEND United have signed midfielder Gary Deegan on a three month contract.

As was revealed in Echosport this week, the 26-year-old had been training with Blues.

And he has since impressed enough to be handed a deal.

Deegan, who was also on trial with Blues during pre-season, began his career in Ireland with Shelbourne before spells with Kilkenny City, Longford Town, Galway United and Bohemians followed.

The Irishman was then snapped up by Coventry City in July 2009 and went on to make 43 appearances for the Sky Blues.

However, the midfielder then moved to Scotland with Hibernian for the 2012/13 campaign, where he made 23 appearances and scored one goal.

Last season he came back to England with Northampton Town and played 30 times for the Cobblers.

Deegan goes straight in to the Southend squad for tomorrow's game at Carlisle United.

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