Southend United have today taken Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back George Friend on loan.

The Blues have moved ahead of Saturday's trip to Brighton and Hove Albion to sign the defender initially for a month.

21-year-old Friend has recently returned to Molineux following a loan spell with United's League One rivals Millwall where he made seven appearances, including against Blues in August.

The youngster began his career at Exeter City as a trainee making 37 appearances and winning promotion from the Conference to the Football League via the play-offs at Wembley in 2008.

Despite starting last season with the Grecians, Wolves moved to sign the 6' 1" defender for £350,000 in August 2008.

He made six appearances last season as Mick McCarthy's side were crowned champions of the Championship.