RAFFERTY Pedder will head to Ireland with Southend United this week.

The former QPR midfielder impressed off the bench for Blues in Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Gillingham at Roots Hall.

And he is now expected to be the only trialist selected in the Shrimpers' squad for the trip abroad.

Speaking after the weekend's game, Southend boss Kevin Maher said: “Raff is someone who has been at QPR and he’s the type we’re looking for."

Pedder has previously been with QPR and Tottenham Hotspur and made four appearances on loan for Oxford City last season.

Blues leave for Ireland on Monday morning and face Ballyfermot United in a pre-season game on Tuesday night before returning to Essex on Thursday.