Richard Garcia believes his experiences at Colchester United have helped him cope with playing in the Premier League.

The Australian attacker has played his part in helping Hull City secure another term in the top flight.

But Garcia rose to prominence with the U’s, as part of Phil Parkinson’s promotion-winning team of 2006.

The 27-year-old made nearly 100 league and cup appearances for Colchester over a three-year period in the Championship and in League One.

He feels that time with the U’s stood him in good stead for his spell in English football’s elite.

Garcia told the Gazette: “My experience in the divisions below the Premier League has helped me a lot.

“I went to Colchester United and built my career again.

“Colchester was a fantastic club to play for and I had a great time there.

“And I still keep in touch with Kem Izzet, Dean Gerken and Pat Baldwin from my time there.”

Garcia was in Hull’s starting line-up for their crucial final game of the season against Manchester United.

The Tigers were beaten 1-0 at the KC Stadium.

But they stayed up by the skin of their teeth, after relegation rivals Newcastle United and Middlesbrough both lost.

“It was a nervy last day but we managed to scrape through,” said Garcia, who left Colchester to join Hull two years ago after turning down a new deal at the U’s.

“It’s testament to the guys that we have stayed up.

“The team spirit has played a big part.

“There have been some really hard times this season but we have stuck together and kept pushing on.

“It was great to be in the Premier League and to have played in as many games as I have this season.

“I hope that I can improve on that next year.”

Garcia made 22 appearances for Hull in the Premier League.

He regards his goal for the Tigers in their 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers last August as a special moment.

“My first goal in the Premier League was probably the highlight for me,” said the former West Ham United trainee.

“That was a fantastic moment - but the whole season has been memorable.”

l Colchester boss Paul Lambert has been installed at 16-1 by leading bookmaker William Hill to become the next Celtic manager.

The Scottish giants are on the hunt for a successor to Gordon Strachan, who left Parkhead on Monday.

Lambert spent nearly eight years at Celtic as a player, winning four Scottish Premier League titles.