SOUTHEND United centre-back Cian Bolger has joined Bury on an initial month long loan.

Bolger was dropped from the starting line-up for last Saturday's 2-0 win at Barnsley.

And Blues boss Phil Brown has now allowed the Irishman to leave.

"Cian has gone to Bury for a month and there's a chance to could be until the end of the season," said Brown.

"It was getting to the stage where Cian was demanding to play but I looked at the points per partnership record at the back and by far the best was Adam Barrett and Adam Thompson.

"When someone demands to be playing I also think you need to start questioning their attitude."

Bolger's departure leaves Thompson and Barrett as Blues' only centre-backs.

But Brown is confident of bringing in another defender on loan.

"We have two or three lined up already," said Brown.

"I'm not sure whether or not it will get done before tomorrow but we have ample cover for the Gillingham game even if we don't get anyone else."