Hogan Ephraim today revealed he found it very, very hard' to turn down a return to Layer Road.

Colchester United manager Geraint Williams was keen to bring the West Ham United youngster back to north Essex, following his impressive loan spell with the club last season.

Ephraim snubbed the U's to join their Coca-Cola Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers on a one-month loan and made his debut for the west London club on Saturday. However, he insisted it was a very tough decision to reject Colchester's overtures - and one that he did not make lightly.

Ephraim told the Gazette: "It was a very tough decision and it was very, very hard turning Colchester down.

"They are a team going places and the new chairman is very ambitious.

"The manager was unreal last season and I was able to talk to him about anything, not just football.

"Under him and Mick Harford, I improved both as a footballer and as a person and I am very grateful for the opportunity they gave me."