SOUTHEND United have brought in Ipswich Town centre-back Piotr Malarczyk on loan until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old will not be available for this afternoon’s clash at Rochdale.

But Shrimpers boss Phil Brown is delighted to have brought the Polish defender to the club.

“We needed a defender and I’m very pleased to have been able to bring in one with real presence,” said Brown.

“We’ve played against Piotr in a behind closed doors game and he’s a vocal leader who certainly impressed us.

“He has a little bit of experience and Noel Hunt, who obviously has links to Ipswich having been there himself, spoke very highly of him and his organisational skills.”

Malarczyk joined Ipswich from Polish side Korona Kielce in August but has made just six appearances for the Tractor Boys this term.

The centre-back started a Capital One Cup clash at Manchester United, which the Red Devils won 3-0 last September, but he has not featured since being sent off in Town’s 2-1 FA Cup defeat at Portsmouth in January.

However, Brown is certain Malarczyk will be able to impress while at Blues.

“He has a lot of good qualities he will bring us and we certainly needed that extra body at the back,” said Brown.

“It’s been a long drawn out process and I didn’t get to speak to Piotr until about 3.30pm.

“He’s gone back home to Poland during the international break but he will be in for training on Sunday before being available selection for Wednesday night’s game with Sheffield United.”

Malarczyk’s arrival brings to an end Brown’s search for a new defender after he allowed Cian Bolger to join Bury on loan.

Echosport understands Blues had been interested in Everton defender Matthew Pennington before he signed for Walsall while West Ham United’s Doneil Henry had been another target.

But the Canadian would not have been able to feature in Blues’ next three matches.

“Doneil was a target of ours and was keen to come here but he’s in Canada and wouldn’t have been able to play today, next Wednesday or next weekend either,” said Brown.

“We didn’t want to be without a third defender for that long though and in the end we went for Piotr.”