DEXTER Peter is hoping to stake a claim for Colchester United’s first team after agreeing a permanent contract with the club.

The 19-year-old has penned a one-year deal where he will be eligible for both the U’s senior squad and the under-21s.

Peter secured a deal after impressing while on trial at Colchester at the tail end of last season, playing in Professional Development League Two.

The teenage centre-back says his initial objective is to play consistently well for the U’s academy, under their new coaching duo Wayne Brown and Kevin Horlock.

However, Peter, who spent three years at Millwall before being released in early 2015, says his long-term goal is to challenge for a place in Colchester’s first team.

Peter told the Daily Gazette: “At the moment, it’s about playing games for the 21s but if John (McGreal) likes the way I’m playing and if I’m doing well, then hopefully I’ll eventually get my chance with the first team.

“There’s a lot of good centre-backs at the club but there’s always going to be competition for places in football and other players looking to play in your position.

“I hope that I’ll get my opportunity to play for the first team and I’ll be trying hard to do that.”

Peter said he enjoyed playing for Colchester’s under-21 side in the final weeks of last season, where he played under John McGreal prior to his elevation to first-team boss.

“It was a big boost when Colchester came in for me and I was eager for a contract,” said Peter, who had a spell at National League South side Chelmsford City last season.

“I tried to do my best and luckily for me, Colchester liked the way I played and I really liked the club, so it suited both parties.

“I really enjoyed being at Colchester at the end of last season.

“Everyone made it really easy for me to gel and we produced some good performances and kept some clean sheets, which was great for me as a defender.

“John helped me so much and the fact that he used to play in my position really helped.

“I could talk to him on and off the pitch and he gave me a lot of good feedback.

“I’m the kind of defender who loves tough challenges and being strong and playing against a striker who’s really aggressive.

“People say I’m soft and nice off the pitch but I’m a bit different when I’m on it!”