Colchester United confirm exit of striker Shawn McCoulsky

McCoulsky joined the U's on a short-term deal at the end of October, having previously been training with the club as a free agent.

But he was not involved in Colchester's 3-1 defeat at Crawley Town in League Two, on New Year's Day.

And now U's head coach Hayden Mullins has confirmed McCoulsky's exit from the club, after his time with them came to an end.

Mullins said: "Shawn is no longer with us now.

"It was a short-term deal and we thank him for his efforts."

McCoulsky made a total of six appearances for the U's but did not start any games for them during his time at the JobServe Community Stadium.

The forward, who celebrates his 25th birthday on Thursday, netted once for the U's.

McCoulsky came on as a substitute and scored on his debut in their FA Cup first-round win at Pitching In Isthmian League division north side AFC Sudbury, on November 5.

The Lewisham-born striker, who started his career at Bristol City, spent two and a half years at Forest Green Rovers and made 26 appearances for the Gloucestershire club.

He also previously had spells at the likes of Southend United, Newport County and Torquay United.

Colchester are in the market for attacking reinforcements in this month's transfer window.

They have been linked with a move for Scunthorpe United forward Ryan Loft, in January.