Thursday 1 March 2012 20:04, UK
Lee Hills has joined Southend on loan from Crystal Palace until the end of the season.
The left-back, 21, linked up with the League Two promotion chasers on trial this week having been out of the game for almost two years with knee problems, duly claiming an assist in United's 3-1 friendly victory over Braintree on Tuesday night. Hills will be available to make his Shrimpers debut in Saturday's clash away to Burton Albion.