SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher opted to hand on loan Taylor Foran an immediate debut for the Shrimpers.

The centre-back has joined Blues from Bromley for 28 days and went straight into the starting line-up for Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Gateshead at Roots Hall.

Maher explained: “He trained with us and he's a young boy.

“It can be tough coming into a team that's not full of confidence at the minute.

“It's difficult and he needs to be led by other players around him.

“All credit to him."

Maher opted to sign Foran after Harry Taylor suffered a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw at Wealdstone last Tuesday.

Skipper Nathan Ralph also missed Saturday’s clash against Gateshead with a one match ban after accumulating five yellow cards.