SOUTHEND United are attempting to bring full-back Luke O’Neill back to the club on loan from Burnley, Echosport understands.

The 23-year-old played once during his first spell with the Shrimpers in early 2014.

But Blues boss Phil Brown is now believed to be keen on bringing O’Neill back to Roots Hall to provide more competition for the full-back positions.

O’Neill spent time on loan with both Scunthorpe United and Leyton Orient in League One last season, making a combined total of 23 appearances.

But he still has a year left on his contract at Burnley which means a loan deal remains most likely.

O’Neill has not figured for Burnley since May 2013 and saw his hopes of working his way back into Sean Dyche’s plan hit by the Clarets’ recent signing of right-back Matt Lowton from Aston Villa.

O’Neill could therefore be forced to move on if he is to play regular first-team football and Brown is known to be keen to bolster his defensive options.

Former Leicester City defender Kieran Kennedy also looks set to join the Shrimpers on trial during pre-season.

The 21-year-old was with Manchester City before joining the Foxes and can play at both centre-back and full-back.

Kennedy is also known to be a threat from set pieces and could head to Spain with the Shrimpers this weekend.