JAKE Turner has been in excellent form for Colchester United, over recent weeks.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper has been given his chance for the U's in League Two, following Shamal George's rib injury against Stevenage last month.

Turner has had to wait patiently for his opportunity , following his loan move from Premier League side Newcastle United in the summer.

But having started Colchester's last three matches against Swindon Town, Newport County and Exeter City, he has suitably impressed.

Turner, who has been named in two Sky Bet League Two Team of the Week line-ups over recent weeks, will see his current loan period from Newcastle end next month.

But Colchester head coach Hayden Mullins says they are hoping to extend the young goalkeeper's stay at the JobServe Community Stadium until the end of the season.

Mullins said: “I think there’s an option.

“I think we’ll need to speak to Newcastle and there’s different terms that need to be discussed and bits and pieces.

“The player has got to be right with it as well and got to be comfortable with the move.

“There’s a few bits we’ll probably need to tie but it’s time to start having those conversations which we will do.

"It would be a pleasure to have Jake again for another six months.

“He’s done fantastic so hopefully, we can get something sorted."

Gazette:

Turner has made six appearances for Colchester in all competitions since joining them from Newcastle, in August.

The former Morecambe shot-stopper is yet to play a senior competitive game for the Magpies after signing for them from Bolton Wanderers in the summer of 2019.

There has been a great deal of change at Newcastle since Turner joined Colchester on loan, with the club bought by a group led by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund and Eddie Howe replacing Steve Bruce in the hot seat.

Turner admits it has been a busy time at St James Park - but insists that at present, he is solely focused on his time at Colchester.

“A lot has happened at Newcastle recently," said Turner.

“While I’m at Colchester, I don’t really know much about what’s happening there as I’ve been trying to concentrate on my time here.

“It’s great for the club that a new manager has come in with new owners."