Colchester United have signed young defender Alex Wynter on loan from Crystal Palace.

The 20-year-old, who can play at either centre-back or right-back, has boosted the U’s defensive ranks until the end of the season.

Wynter, who has also had loan spells at Eastbourne Borough and Sutton United, has so far made two senior appearances for the Eagles.

Colchester boss Joe Dunne had been looking for cover for his back four, with eight games of the League One campaign remaining.

And Wynter is set to go straight into the U’s squad for their game at Notts County, on Saturday.

Dunne said: “He’s a young player who we’ve had in before who has done pretty well.

“He played a couple of under-21 games for us."

Wynter said: “There are some big games coming up and it’s a great opportunity for me.”

For the full story and a three-page preview of Colchester United's game at Notts County on Saturday, including interviews with Alex Wynter, Joe Dunne and David Wright, see Friday's Daily Gazette.