COLCHESTER United have brought in goalkeeper Jake Turner to help provide more cover and competition in the goalkeeper department.

Hayden Mullins has revealed the capture of the Magpies shot-stopper on loan until January will boost competition for places among the keepers in his U's squad.

Colchester head coach says Turner impressed after initially training with the club at Florence Park last week, after travelling down from St James' Park.

The 22-year-old was on the bench for the U's for their 0-0 opening-day draw at Carlisle United, on Saturday.

Experienced goalkeeper Dean Gerken was missing from the squad with a groin injury, something that Mullins said also played a part in them making their move for Turner in the transfer market.

Mullins said: “Dean picked up a knock and we felt we were a little bit short in there so we looked at our options.

“We brought in the boy from Fulham on trial but decided against it and Jake came down from Newcastle and trained with us and did really well.

“He fits in to what we’re trying to do and what we’re looking at.

“It’s more competition in the squad and a little bit more cover.

“Jake was out on loan at Morecambe last season, so he’s already had some games in League Two which is good."

 

Gerken's injury is not thought to be a long-term issue, after he sat out the opening weekend of the season.

The former Ipswich Town and Bristol City keeper returned to training at the end of last week, having missed their final pre-season friendly against Wealdstone.

“Dean’s a short-term one," said Mullins.

“He was out on Friday and got his gloves on, doing a bit of work."

Meanwhile, Mullins has praised the Colchester fans who made the long trip up to Carlisle for their League Two opener.

More than 200 U's supporters were at Brunton Park to see their side pick up a point in their 2021-22 curtain-raiser.

Mullins added: “It was fantastic to see the fans back again and hear their support.

“We could hear that support and the noise they were making, especially in the second half.

“It was fantastic for the boys to see and the whole atmosphere in the ground was great.

“It was good to see it packed and with such a great atmosphere."