Southend United striker Paul Furlong has gone on loan to League Two side Barnet for a month.

Furlong, 40, has moved to the Bees on the eve of United's match against one of his former sides Chelsea in the FA Cup third round.

Having signed for United in pre-season on a free transfer from Luton Town, Furlong has failed to feature on a regular basis for Steve Tilson's first team.

The veteran forward has only made four appearances this term and has yet to score.

Boss Steve Tilson told southendunited.co.uk: "Paul should be playing at this stage of his career and we can't offer him that at the moment.

"Unfortunately those strikers ahead of him have done well and when we had a lack of numbers in attack Paul was injured so he missed out.

"However, his presence around the place has been good for the younger players and him getting some games under his belt with Barnet will suit all concerned."

Furlong will go straight into Barnet's squad for their home match with Grimsby Town tomorrow.