Colchester United have pulled off a coup in signing defender Franck Queudrue on loan from Premier League side Birmingham City.

The U's have brought in the French defender until the end of the season, as they continue their quest for promotion from Coca-Cola League One.

Queudrue, 31, completed his move to the Weston Homes Community Stadium this morning and is set to go straight into their side for the visit of Wycombe Wanderers.

Queudrue told the Gazette: “There’s a great challenge to take on at Colchester, with the chairman, the new ground and the new training ground.

“If I can help them in the last few weeks of the season, that would be great."

For a full interview with new U's signing Franck Queudrue, see tomorrow's Gazette.