SOUTHEND United have completed the loan signing of left-back Lee Hills from Crystal Palace.

Hills, 21, impressed playing as a trialist for Blues in a friendly at Braintree Town on Tuesday night.

And he has now been signed by manager Paul Sturrock until the end of the season.

Hills looks set to make his debut at Burton Albion tomorrow and the former England under 18 and 19 international will be hoping to get his career back on track after almost two years out with knee problems.

Hills has made 47 appearances for Palace’s first team and has spent time on loan with both Colchester United and Oldham Athletic.

He will wear number 34 while with Southend.