RANGERS have announced that defender Rob Kiernan has joined Southend United for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old arrived at Ibrox in July 2015 and departs for the League One club having made 24 league apperances for the Gers last season.

Kiernan was ruled out of the end of the 2016/17 campaign through injury and has found himself pushed down the pecking order this summer after Pedro Caixinha secured several new signings.

Fabio Cardoso and Portugal international Bruno Alves both signed for the club to strengthen their defensive department ahead of the new season.

The Irishman has penned a three-year deal with the option of the fourth at the Blues, having previously enjoyed a spell there on loan in 2013.

“It’s been a little bit of a long process but it’s good to get it over the line and I’m looking forward to getting going,” said Kiernan.

“I’ve worked with Phil (Brown) before and he’s been great to me. My loan got cut a bit short and I got recalled back to Wigan but it’s nice to link up again and hopefully I can do well for him.

“I’m glad it’s all sorted and I can get ready for the season ahead."

Rangers kick off their Ladbrokes Premiership bid with a trip to Motherwell on Sunday.