Brandon Comley insists it was an easy decision to join Colchester United on a permanent basis.

The midfielder has signed a contract with the U’s until the summer of 2020 after leaving Championship club Queens Park Rangers following the completion of his loan spell at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Comley, who made three first-team appearances for Rangers, spent 13 years at Loftus Road after joining them at the age of nine.

But now the 22-year-old is looking forward to a new challenge with Colchester, for whom he has been a regular since arriving on loan in August.

Comley said: “I’m really excited – I’m going to work hard, get my head down and help the club push on.

“I just wanted to fly the nest – I’d been at QPR for ages, since I was young and sometimes you can just get caught in a web of being a young player.

“It’s a part of growing up as a player and develop rather than stay static where maybe I’m not wanted as much as I am here.

“The opportunity was there and I want to better my career somewhere else.

“My focus is doing well in this league and if I do well, I’m sure that the proof will be in the pudding – hopefully we can work our way back up together.

“It’s near to home and a good set up as well, compared to some of the other clubs. It’s an exciting new chapter for me in my career and I can’t wait to play my first game as a full Colchester player.

“There were maybe one or two (other clubs interested) but I was comfortable here and my focus was on doing well for this club.

“They’re a good group of boys here and it was an easy decision to stay here, when I was given the offer.”

Comley says he is pleased to have the security of a good contract, having penned a two-and-a-half year deal with Colchester.

“The length of the contract is something that is really nice to have,” said the former Carlisle United loanee.

“Not that it takes weight off your shoulders, because my goal is to keep progressing and working hard.

“But it’s someone putting that faith in you, that they want you.”

Comley is hoping to feature for Colchester tomorrow against Grimsby, with whom he spent the majority of last season on loan.

“I’ve played against Grimsby before and the edge will already be off,” added Comley, who made 35 appearances while on loan with the Mariners.

“It’s football so you play against teams or players you’ve already played with or against - it won’t affect me in any sense.”