CORIE Andrews is aiming to make a big impact for Colchester United in the second half of the season.

And the forward has revealed he spoke to a former U's player about his move, prior to making the loan switch to the JobServe Community Stadium.

Andrews spent the first half of the current campaign on loan at National League club Aldershot Town, from parent club AFC Wimbledon.

He was a Shots team-mate of former U's defender Lewis Kinsella, who made 29 appearances for Colchester between 2016 and 2018.

Andrews says Kinsella only had good words to say about his old club.

He said: "I spoke to Lewis Kinsella (on Friday) and he told me that Colchester is a good club.

"He said that they'll look after me here and that the fans are good - he said I'd enjoy it here.

"I've been in good form to be honest and scoring quite a few goals.

"I think I got four in the last four for Aldershot and I just want to carry it on here, for this team and try to push on.

"Quite a few people have told me that there's not much of a difference between League Two and the National League now.

"I'm here now and I just want to see it myself and find my confidence here and help the team.

"I just want to make an impression to everyone watching.

"I'm a dynamic forward - I like playing on the shoulder and getting in behind, shooting with my left foot and my right foot - I also like taking players on."

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Andrews is hoping to fire Colchester up the table, in the coming weeks.

The U's lie three points above the League Two relegation zone, although they do have games in hand on the teams around them.

"I feel I can definitely help Colchester move up the table," said Andrews, who started his career at Crystal Palace.

"As long as I work hard and keep pushing, hopefully the boys can push on in the second half of the season.

"I want to help the team in any way I can.

"Even if I don't score, if I contribute by working hard and creating goals, I'm happy.

"I know of quite a few of the lads but I don't know any of them personally.

"I have friends who've played for Colchester in the past and I know about this club, as I've played against them at under-23 level when I was at Crystal Palace."

Andrews was named in the Colchester starting line-up for their game with Rochdale last Saturday, prior to it being postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

The 24-year-old said that was a big confidence boost and is hoping to now make his debut when the U's visit leaders Forest Green Rovers, tomorrow night.

Andrews added: "Forest Green are doing well, right now but it's 11 men and two teams.

"I'm looking forward to the game already.

"It was good for my confidence to go straight into the team for the Rochdale game.

"It just shows that the manager is putting trust in me.

"I just want to give back my all to him for bringing me here and trusting me."