Bailey Vose is aiming to establish himself as Colchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper next season after signing a two-year deal with the club.

The promising 20-year-old has set his sights on being the U’s number one shot-stopper after joining them for an undisclosed fee from Premier League club, Brighton and Hove Albion.

With current first-choice keeper Sam Walker set to move onto pastures new this summer, Vose is likely to battle it out with Dillon Barnes for the chance to start the campaign between the sticks for John McGreal’s side.

And the young keeper says he is ready to rise to the challenge, for his new club.

Vose told the Daily Gazette: “The main aim is to establish myself as number one for Colchester.

“I knew before I signed that Colchester give young players opportunities.

“My agent told me that he’s got a few players there and there are two or three who have played 100 games or more at League Two level.

“It’s a move that could open so many doors for me.

“I knew that Colchester had been watching me when I was on loan at Eastbourne and Welling.

“It’s massive at the age of 20 years old to get to play in League Two, especially as a goalkeeper.

“It’ll give me some valuable experience at my age, something a lot of other players wouldn’t necessarily have.

“It’s so important to get the chance to play and earn yourself a reputation in the game.”

Vose did not make a first-team appearance with Brighton, in his four years at the Amex Stadium.

However, he says the experience he gained with the Seagulls was invaluable, especially during their first-ever Premier League campaign.

“Brighton gave me my opportunity at 16 years old and I thank them for that,” added Vose, who had loan spells at non-league clubs Welling United and Eastbourne, this season.

“That will stay with me for a very long time.

“It’s a bit weird not to be there anymore and a bit sad leaving them, after being there for four years.

“It was great being at a Premier League club last season and I got to go and watch the games and be a part of that, watching some of the best players in the world.

“You really learn from what you see at those games.

“It was massive training with the first team there and getting that experience.”