SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown believes he now boasts one of the best groups of wingers in the division after completing the signing of Stephen McLaughlin from Nottingham Forest.

McLaughlin, who ended last season on loan with the Shrimpers, has signed a two-year deal on his return to Roots Hall.

And Brown is now delighted by his wide range of options on the flanks.

“I’m really pleased to have brought Stephen back and not many teams at this level will have options like we do out wide now,” said the Southend boss.

“With Kevan Hurst, Myles Weston and David Worrall also available we have real competition for places out there which I’m delighted about. All we need now is another centre-back and a striker and that will be me done.”

McLaughlin trained with the Shrimpers yesterday after successfully coming through a medical.

But Brown feels the 25-year-old Irishman will take time to rediscover his best form.

“I think Stephen’s had an indifferent pre-season so his match fitness might not be there just yet,” said Brown.

“It might take him a little bit of time to get back up to speed but I think we saw during his loan spell the kind of quality he possesses.

“He played a big part in our promotion, scoring against Stevenage in the semi-final and doing well for an hour against Wycombe in the final as well.”

McLaughlin scored twice in nine games during his loan spell with the Shrimpers.

And Brown believes the winger will provide his side with natural width.

“Stephen will give us balance down that left hand side,” said the Blues boss.

“He’s a good player and he definitely has the talent to be able to play in the Championship so it’s great news we’ve been able to bring him back.”