YOUNG Wanderers defender Cian Bolger has joined Southend United for an undisclosed fee.

As reported in Saturday’s The Bolton News, the Whites accepted a bid from the League Two side managed by ex-Wanderer Phil Brown.

And the move has now been completed with Bolger penning a two-year deal with the option of an extra year.

The 22-year-old former Republic of Ireland U21 centre-back joined the Whites in January 2013 from Leicester City and was captain of the development side for much of last season, but failed to make a competitive senior appearance.

He spent two loan spells away from Wanderers last season at Colchester United and at Roots Hall – that latter spell in the spring at Southend cut short due to injury.

But the youngster impressed boss Brown and has now secured a permanent switch south.

Brown told the Southend website: “I can’t emphasise enough how much this deal means to me as the manager of this football club.

“To get a player of Cian’s quality through the door is fantastic news.”

Bolger added: “I felt it was time for me to make the permanent move instead of going on loan.

“It was a big decision, but I’m sure it will prove to be the right one.”