New Barnet loanee Conor Clifford says the prospect of working with Martin Allen convinced him to snub Bristol Rovers and join Barnet.

The Southend United midfielder, who was available for transfer from Roots Hall, joined the Bees on loan until March 7 prior to yesterday's transfer deadline.

And speaking following his move to The Hive, Clifford explained Allen had been the deciding factor. The former Chelsea midfielder had been set to join Bristol Rovers on loan but changed his mind following a call from the Bees head coach.

He explained: "Just speaking to the gaffer and the way that he was selling himself and the club was what made my mind up. I know that he is a really good manager who has managed a lot of good clubs.

"It is great. I am delighted to come here. I spoke to Martin Allen last night and he told me that he’d like me to come and I just can’t wait to get started.

"He is well respected in the game and it is obviously a great set-up here with the training ground and a brand new stadium."

The Times Series understands Clifford had been set to sign for Rovers until Allen's call came in but the midfielder remained coy.

He said: "I am not too sure [how close I was to joining Bristol Rovers]. I did not speak to their manager (Darrell Clarke); my agent was doing a lot of the talking. But it came between Bristol and Barnet. I spoke to Martin Allen and I wanted to come to Barnet."

Asked what he would bring to Barnet's midfield in the coming weeks, the former Ireland Under-21 cap mused: "I’m a box-to-box midfielder that likes to get my foot in and get stuck in and get a few goals hopefully. It is really important for me to get playing some games and hopefully do well."

The combative 5ft 8in Dubliner added: "They are flying at the minute and I can’t wait to come into a winning team. There seems to be a good atmosphere around the place, and I can’t wait to get started.

"I wanted to come to Barnet because they are top of the league and I want to help them stay there."