SOUTHEND United have completed the signing of goalkeeper Mark Oxley on a two year deal.

The former Hibernian shot-stopper trained with the Shrimpers yesterday.

And Blues boss Phil Brown - who worked with Oxley at Hull City - is pleased to have been reunited with the 25-year-old at Roots Hall.

"I'm really pleased to have brought Mark in because the goalkeeper is such an important position," said Brown.

"We had the uncertainty surrounding Daniel Bentley's future for most of last season and he's now decided to move despite our best efforts.

"Because of that we needed to bring someone in and I'm really happy that's Mark.

"I paid good money for him when I was at Hull at the start of his career and he was extremely highly rated back then.

"He was tipped as the next big thing but he's had a few ups and downs since then.

"But he's now gone and got a few games under his belt during spells with Oldham and Hibernian and I'm pleased he's joining us."

However, Oxley is by no means guaranteed to be the Shrimpers' number one next season.

England under 20 international Ted Smith will also be aiming to become a regular starter between the sticks.

And Brown will give them both opportunities to impress during pre-season.

"If you look at our squad then right-back is probably the position which is the most contested but I don't think goalkeeper will be too far behind that now," said Brown.

"Mark is still young for a goalkeeper and Ted is even younger but it's good to have that level of competition.

"I will give them both opportunities to play during pre-season and it's up to them to show me they should be picked with how they perform.

"We have the game at Braintree this weekend before things start to step up with West Ham, Newcastle and Colchester in a short space of time so the chances will be there for them.

"It's just up to them to take it now and prove to me that they should be picked."