Former Derry City winger Stephen McLaughlin signs three-year deal with Southend United

Former Derry City winger Stephen McLaughling has put pen to paper on a three-year contract extension with English League One side Southend United.

The Clonmany flyer, who began his League of Ireland career with Finn Harps, has impressed since joining the Shrimpers from Nottingham Forest two-and-a-half years ago.

27-year-old McLaughling played nine games, scoring twice, as he helped Phil Brown's side to promotion from League Two while on loan, scoring in the semi-final second leg against Stevenage.

 “I’m already settled here but now I know my future I can really look forward to the next few years and what it holds for me,” a delighted McLaughlin told the club's official website.

The Donegal man has scored nine goals in 56 appearances in all competitions since making the move permanent in the summer of 2015.

McLaughlin joined Finn Harps from his local club Clonmany Shamrocks in 2009 and was quickly thrust into first-team action, making his debut at home to Wexford Youths that July.

He spent two seasons with Harps, scoring four goals in 48 appearances, before making the short move to Derry City ahead of the 2011 season.

McLaughlin won an FAI Cup medal with the Candstripes in 2012, scoring nine times in 23 leagues during a memorable second season at the Brandywell, before Nottingham Forest came calling.