Colchester United loan signing Ben Tozer says he is ready to answer Joe Dunne’s call and help his new club bag some valuable points in December.

Tozer, who has joined the U’s from Northampton Town, is in line to make his Colchester debut when they host struggling Notts County this Saturday.

The versatile 23-year-old, who can play anywhere in the back four, could be set to start at right-back against the Magpies in place of skipper Brian Wilson, who serves a one-match ban.

And the former Newcastle United youngster insists he wants to make a big impact under boss Dunne, during his time at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Tozer said: “While I’m at Colchester, I want to impress the gaffer here and you never know what might happen.

“There was no game for us this weekend but I would have been cup-tied anyway.

“It’s good in a way, because I’m still getting to know the lads.

“December is probably one of the most important months in the football calendar.

“We’re going to be playing teams who are in and around us this month and anyone can beat anyone in our division.

“We’re positive that we can get results in all four of the games that we play this month.

“It’s a good opportunity for me, stepping up to League One.

“I know I may have to bide my time to get into the team, because the lads have been doing well.

“It was a shame that we lost at Tranmere but we created enough chances to win.

“They’re a good bunch of lads at Colchester and I’m very happy to be here.

“We have a young squad and everyone is hungry to do well.

“Colchester is a very good club and the training facilities in particular are excellent.”

Tozer has struggled to hold down a regular place in Northampton’s starting line-up under former U’s boss Aidy Boothroyd this season.

The ex-Swindon Town academy player played his part in helping the Cobblers reach the League Two play-off final at Wembley, last season.

But he has started only ten times in the current campaign for the fourth-tier strugglers.

“I played every game for Northampton last season and we had a very solid season, which I was very happy about,” said Tozer.

“This season, we have a whole new squad of players and it’s always difficult when that happens.

“There was a game recently when I was the only player in the team to have played in the play-off final at Wembley.

“Everyone gets on well off the pitch but you don’t immediately know one another’s strengths and weaknesses.

“But we have the right manager there and that’s the good thing."

Colchester's trip to play Port Vale in League One, which was scheduled for January 4, will have to be rearranged following the Valiants' progress in the FA Cup.

Meanwhile, U's academy duo Jack Simmonds and Nnamdi Nwachuku have joined Ryman League Premier side Leiston on loan.

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.