SOUTHEND United have completed a loan deal for Burnley defender Luke O'Neill.

The 24-year-old defender was on the bench for Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Swindon Town at Roots Hall.

But Blues boss Phil Brown is already looking to make the move permanent.

"We had to wait to do it as a loan but we will look to get the move made permanent before the window closes," said Brown.

"I'm delighted to have Luke back with us again to bolster our options at the back."

O'Neill was previously on loan with the Shrimpers in January 2014 but he lined up just once before suffering a thigh injury.