SOUTHEND UNITED: ROB Kiernan helped Southend United continue their fine defensive form with a 2-0 win at Exeter City on Saturday and then revealed he would love to extend his loan spell at the club.

Kiernan helped Phil Brown’s side move up to fifth in the League Two table after securing their ninth clean sheet of the season in a convincing triumph at St James Park And the 22-year-old centre-back is keen to stay with the Shrimpers beyond January, when his current deal exprires.

“I’ve settled in really well, the spirit here is up there with the best I’ve known at any club and I would definitely like to stay for longer,” said Kiernan. For much more on this story see today's Echo newspaper