SOUTHEND United have completed the loan signing of Nottingham Forest winger Stephen McLaughlin.

As was first revealed by Echosport, the Irishman will be with the Shrimpers until the end of the season.

And Blues boss Phil Brown confirmed the 24-year-old would go straight into the squad for tomorrow’s crunch League Two clash at Bury.

“I must have had my eye on Stephen for about six months now so I’m very pleased to have finally signed him,” said Brown.

“I first saw him in a behind closed doors game between Colchester United and Nottingham Forest and was impressed by his work-rate.

“He was in the face of the opposition and I’ve kept tabs on him ever since.

“He has a great left foot which will give us good balance on that side and we will be picking him up on the way to Bury so he will be going straight in to the squad for what is obviously a big game.”

McLaughlin joined Nottingham Forest from Derry City in deal believed to be worth around £160,000 at the start of 2013.

He has so far made 12 appearances for Forest’s first team and also spent time on loan with their near neighbours Notts County this season.

The winger played 16 times while at Meadow Lane and his arrival increases the number of Irish players already in the Southend squad.

“We have five or six Irish lads at the club now, along with first team coach Graham Coughlan so we could start having Ireland against England games in training now,” joked Brown.

“But with Kevan Hurst getting injured I thought we needed to get somebody in and I’m sure Stephen will fit in well.”

Fifth placed Blues are currently eight points below the automatic promotion places and four below Bury who are immediately above them in the League Two table.