Southend United sign Wigan Athletic defender Rob Kiernan

Southend United have signed defender Rob Kiernan from Wigan Athletic on a three-month loan deal.

Kiernan, 22, is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Latics but has enjoyed loan spells at Brentford, Burton and Accrington.

"I'm delighted to have Rob signed," manager Phil Brown told the club website. "We are a bit short defensively at the moment."

"He has impressed us all in training and comes here with experience."

Kiernan began his career at Watford, making two substitute appearances for the Hornets in addition to loan spells at Kilmarnock, Yeovil, Bradford and Wycombe before a move to Wigan in June 2011 on a free transfer.