Southend United boss Phil Brown says new Barnet loanee Conor Clifford needed to leave the Shrimpers to play games for the sake of his career.

The 23-year-old Dubliner joined Martin Allen's side on loan until March 7 on transfer deadline day after falling out of favour at Roots Hall.

Clifford, who began his professional career with Premier League giants Chelsea, had only made ten starts in League Two for the Blues this term, the last of which came against Luton Town at the beginning of October.

Speaking to the Echo, Brown said: “Conor needed to get out and get himself games and a move to Barnet will enable him to do that.

“He had drifted out of the team and then the squad in the last couple of months and he really needed ta move to kick start his career again."

The former Hull City and Preston North End boss continued: “For the first ten or 12 games of the season, I thought Conor was fantastic for us and he made it impossible to leave him out.

“After that he dropped off a bit and other players came to the fore, none more so than Jack Payne.

“But Conor’s now been able to get himself a move and it would be great for him to go there and get a promotion on his CV.”

You can read Conor Clifford's thoughts on joining the Bees by clicking here.