Last Updated: Fri, 15 Feb 2013 18:05
Southend have signed Stoke youngster Matthew Lund on an emergency 28-day loan.
Lund, a midfielder who can also play in defence, will be available for Saturday's npower League Two fixture against promotion rivals Northampton at Roots Hall.
Manager Paul Sturrock said: "Matthew has played a number of games at this level already this season so he knows exactly what to expect.
"We saw him play against us earlier in the season when we won 3-2 at Bristol Rovers and we knew then he was a good player.
"We are delighted to have been able to bring him in to help us with all the injuries we have been suffering from of late."
Lund began his career in the youth set-up at Crewe before joining Stoke in 2009.
The 22-year-old has yet to make a senior appearance for Tony Pulis' side but has enjoyed loan spells at a number of clubs.
In 2010 he made three appearances for Hereford before making a further three for Oldham.
In January 2012 Lund joined Bristol Rovers and played 13 times for the club, scoring two goals. He returned to Rovers this summer and has made 20 appearances for them in all competitions.
Have you an opinion on this story? Put your money where your mouth is and claim a free £25 bet.
