Stuart O'Keefe has made impressive strides at Southend United to the extent that he was handed a three-year professional contract last season.
The promising midfielder joined the Blues last summer after being released by Ipswich, where he had been since the age of nine.
O'Keefe, who is able to play in the centre of midfield or out wide, was a key figure in the under-18 side that made club history by reaching the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup in 2008.
O'Keefe will now be looking for more playing time this season and the chance to increase the four appearances he has so far made for the club.
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