LUKE Prosser has been confirmed as the new captain of Colchester United.

The 28-year-old, a summer acquisition after being released by Essex rivals Southend United, will wear the armband for the first time in Saturday’s League Two curtain-raiser at Hartlepool United.

Prosser was told the good news earlier today.

"We have chosen Luke Prosser to be the captain,” confirmed head coach John McGreal.

"It's been on our minds since day one really but we have tried to keep people guessing and have used different captains in different games and in different halves.

"But Luke is the right age and at the right point in his career, so he's ready for it and he was chomping at the bit when we told him.

"Just look at the standard that he set throughout pre-season, not only in games, but the way he is around the place.

"In gym sessions, when boys have nothing left to give, he's there lifting morale and he full deserves the compliment of being captain of Colchester United.”

See tomorrow's Gazette for an interview with Prosser.