SOUTHEND United have completed the loan signing of Brighton & Hove Albion defender Glen Rea.

The 20-year-old will be with the Shrimpers until the start of January.

And Blues boss Phil Brown is delighted to have Rea on board.

“It’s great news that we’ve got this deal completed now,” said Brown.

“We’ve witnessed him first hand in the Capital One Cup and we watched him again against Walsall too.

“He did a great job against Bradshaw which is testament to where he’s at and fingers crossed he will be ready to start at Coventry on Monday night.”

Rea trained with the Shrimpers this morning.

But Brown is also still looking to improve his side at the other end of the pitch.

“People will be wondering why I’m bringing in another defender and not a striker but we’re still in the market for one,” said the 56-year-old.

“We’re looking for that number nine who is a goalscorer but it’s unlikely we will get one before the game on Monday.”