Rhys Healey has left Colchester United after being recalled from his loan spell by his parent club Cardiff City.

The 20-year-old striker, who was due to stay at the U's until the end of the season, has now returned to the Bluebirds.

Healey joined Colchester last September and made 19 league and cup appearances, scoring four goals.

U's boss Tony Humes said: “Rhys has been on a youth loan so it’s always been a possibility from when he came in.

“He started on Tuesday (against Yeovil) but they have recalled him at Cardiff.

“He is still learning his trade and he started a few games, but he has been more of an impact player for us.

“He is a goalscorer and he has worked his socks off.

“For Rhys to get better, he needs more opportunities to play and maybe that’s behind Cardiff’s thinking."

Healey said he feels he has benefited hugely from his spell at Colchester.

He said: “It’s not been as easy season for us but we got the result against Yeovil so hopefully they can push on from that and get what they need to stay up.

“I’ll be looking out for their results after every match and hopefully the boys can go through the hard times and do well.”

Meanwhile, Colchester's home game with promotion-chasing Swindon Town, which had been scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 28, has been postponed because of the Robins' international call-ups.

The League One game will now take place on Tuesday, April 28.

For a full interview with Rhys Healey, see Friday's Daily Gazette.