Colchester United have received a huge boost after capturing former England under-21 international striker Marvin Sordell.

The 24-year-old has joined the U's on a permanent contract until the end of the season after leaving Championship club Burnley, earlier this month.

Sordell is in line to make his Colchester debut when they travel to play Chesterfield, on Saturday.

U's boss Tony Humes said: "It's a great signing for the club.

"We've been patient and missed out on a few (forwards) but maybe it was meant to be.

"Marvin became available when he left Burnley at the end of the last transfer window and we've signed him until the end of the season.

"He's done all of pre-season with Burnley and has been on the bench for them this season.

"As soon as Marvin became available, we made a tentative enquiry - he's been at Premier League clubs and it was more a case of sounding out something that was an option for us.

"We're delighted that we've sorted a deal with him."

Sordell started his career at Watford and graduated through their academy, going to make more than 50 league starts for the Hornets.

He signed for Bolton Wanderers while they were in the Premier League in a £3million deal from Watford, in 2012.

Sordell then moved onto Burnley in July 2014 but failed to hold down a regular first-team place under Sean Dyche and managed just one goal in 21 games during his time at Turf Moor.

Sordell, who was part of the Team GB Olympic squad for London 2012, had his Burnley contract cancelled by mutual consent last month.

For a full interview with new U's signing Marvin Sordell, see Friday's Daily Gazette.