SOUTHEND United have signed Sunderland striker Benji Kimpioka on a month long loan deal.

The 21-year-old trained with the Shrimpers for the first time this morning.

And Blues boss Phil Brown is pleased to have the youngster on board. 

"Benji's in a similar mould to the likes of Matty Dennis," said Brown.

"He’s coming from a big club in a higher division and that’s the kind of mentality I want to bring in.

"He’s had a couple of international appearances at under 23 level for Sweden so technically that tells me he should be good enough to play in this division.

"But the main thing is his pace, he’s absolutely lightning.

"I’m delighted to bring him in and it puts a spanner in the works with regards to people who might be thinking they’re an automatic choice.

"I’ve now got real competition for places."

Kimpioka has netted twice for the Black Cats in the Football League Trophy and also scored in their 1-1 draw against Coventry City in League One back in 2019.

Last season, he spent time on loan in the National League with Torquay United as Gary Johnson's side reached the play-offs.

Kimpioka made 10 appearances while with the Gulls but failed to hit the back of the net.

But Brown is confident the striker will do well with Southend.

"My old chief scout Bob Shaw always said the first loan doesn’t normally work but the second one does," said Brown.

"If the manager wants to sign him for a second time that’s a good sign and when a son loans him to his father I also think that’s a hell of a sign.

"He had a problem at Torquay with his hamstring but we’ve had that tested.

"It’s a long way for him to come but I’m looking forward to working with him.

"He’s got talent, an eye for goal and pace.

"Hopefully those three things will stand us in good stead and he’s in my thinking for Saturday."