MARC-ANTOINE Fortune has signed a new deal to extend his stay at Southend United.

The experienced Frenchman has put pen to paper on a contract which expires at the end of next season.

And Blues boss Phil Brown is delighted to be keeping the striker at Roots Hall.

“Marc has signed an 18 month deal and I’m very pleased to have got it sorted,” said Brown.

“He provides real competition for places and his hold up play is excellent.

“He carries us into the final third when he’s on the pitch.”

Fortune has started the last two matches for Blues and has scored once in 18 appearances since joining in late September.