Michael Timlin has signed a new two-year contract with League Two outfit Southend United.
The 28-year-old, who recently spent time in prison for providing false information, made his comeback for the club in a pre-season clash against Real Madrid C last week.
"He's a real nuisance for opposing teams and is a captain in the making with the attitude he has to the game," Shrimpers boss Phil Brown told the Southend Echo.
"If he had been fully fit for the start of the season, then he would have been a real contender for the armband but I'm delighted he will be staying."
Timlin is a former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international.