The 19-year-old centre-back will be in the squad for Saturday's home match with Hull as the Shrimpers deal with a shortage of defenders.

The Roots Hall outfit have Mark Beard and David McSweeney suspended, while Phil Whelan and Stephen Broad are both injured.

Kelly played against the Shrimpers during pre-season and is due to start training with his new team-mates on Thursday.

"He is someone we have been monitoring all season," Newman told the Southend website.

"He's a good defender and we've got a small squad which is a bit stretched at the moment.

"I'm sure Stephen will prove a good acquisition for us."