SOUTHEND United have signed goalkeeper Zach Jeacock on loan from Lincoln City.

The 23-year-old shot-stopper will be with the Shrimpers, initially until January.

And he is delighted to have joined the National League club.

“I’m really pleased and excited to get going," said Jeacock.

"It’s a massive club with a big fanbase and loads of history, so when it came up, I really wanted to get down here and get involved.

“I want to play games and show what I can do.

"When you go on loan you want to get stuck in and embed yourself and that’s what I want to do."

Jeacock came through the ranks at Birmingham City and made four first team appearances for Blues.

The custodian also spent time on loan with Salford City and Gloucester before joining Lincoln last summer.

And he will now battle Collin Andeng Ndi for a place in the Shrimpers' starting line-up.

“I’m a competitive person and the competition for places will come regardless," said Jeacock.

"It will be good for me to come down here and give healthy competition.”

Jeacock will wear number one while with the Shrimpers. 

And Blues boss Kevin Maher is pleased to have the keeper on board.

“Adding strength and competition to the goalkeeping department is something we’ve wanted to do," said Maher.

"Zach will do that.

"He’s played in League One this year and we hope him and Collin will fight for the place.

“We want a competitive edge and that’ll drive standards in training every day.

"Hopefully it produces performances of that ilk.

"He’s a good kid, he’ll work hard and he’s come from higher up so he knows how to behave and how to work.

“He’s had good experience and trained regularly at a high level, so we’re pleased to have him on board.”