Southend United have completed the loan signing of Ipswich Town defender Piotr Malarczyk.

The Pole joined Ipswich last summer, but he has since made just six appearances for the Championship club.

Now, the 24-year-old has agreed a move to Roots Hall until the end of the season.

"If you want a defender with the right mentality, the right attitude you won't go far wrong from Piotr," manager Phil Brown told the club's official website.

"He brings that steely mentality to the side. He's a strong character who's vocal and has got a presence."

Malarczyk has been capped by Poland at every age group up to and including the Under-21s.