SOUTHEND United have signed experienced goalkeeper David Stockdale on loan from Birmingham City in time for him to make his debut this afternoon.

Stockdale will go straight into the starting line-up against Peterborough United at Roots Hall.

And Shrimpers legend Darryl Flahavan who is goalkeeping coach at Birmingham is pleased the 32-year-old is heading to Roots Hall.

“I’m delighted for Stocky,” said Flahavan.

“It will be good for him to get some games and I really hope it goes well for him and he gets some good performances in and enjoys his football.”

Stockdale – who has yet to appear this season – will replaced the suspended Mark Oxley between the sticks against Posh.

Shrimpers boss Chris Powell had been toying with the idea of starting with 18-year-old Nathan Bishop who lined up against Cambridge United in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday night.

But Powell has now opted to bring in Stockdale who has made 390 appearances in his career.