SOUTHEND United midfielders Lewis Gard and O’Shane Stewart are both heading out on loan.

Gard is set to join Isthmian North side Heybridge Swifts who are now managed by former Blues boss Steve Tilson while Stewart looks set to join another ex Shrimpers manager Peter Taylor at National League South strugglers Welling United.

Gard, 22, has made 12 appearances for Blues’ first team but has suffered two serious knee injuries since working his way through into the senior ranks.

Stewart, 20, has yet to make his first team debut for the Shrimpers but has impressed for the under 23s in recent times and scored a fine