O'Toole arrives and Deegan stays

O'Toole arrives at Roots Hall on an emergency loan deal from Northampton and is expected to go straight into the squad to face the Cobblers on Saturday afternoon.

The 26-year-old agreed a three-year deal with Northampton in the summer having scored 13 goals from midfield for Bristol Rovers last term.

Meanwhile, Shrimpers boss Phil Brown also agreed a new deal with Deegan after his short-term contract came to an end at Roots Hall.

The Irish midfielder, who spent time at Northampton last season, has made 12 starts for Southend this term since agreeing a three-month deal in August.

Deegan's new contract will keep him in Essex until January 23, 2015.