CAMRON Gbadebo says he is looking forward to getting games under his belt after joining Colchester United.

The 19-year-old centre-half has signed for the U's until the end of the season on a short-term permanent deal from Manchester City.

Gbadebo had been at City for two years, having joined them from Leicester City's academy.

He is now looking forward to progressing his career with the U's - and getting some game time.

Gbadebo told Col U TV: “I’m super excited to get started.

“I met most of the lads – they’re all really great and I’m just looking forward to getting some games under my belt and taking my career to the next level.

“I’ve had two years at Leicester and two years at Man City, so a lot of great experience.

“I’m really excited to bring that to Colchester and try and improve the team."

Gbadebo has a top-class academy background, having been at both Manchester City and Leicester City.

He impressed for City’s Elite Development Squad and also featured for the club's U21, in the Papa John’s Trophy.

But the commanding defender also has some experience of senior football, having had a spell at National League North side AFC Fylde.

Gbadebo was at the Coasters last season, which was curtailed due to the Covid pandemic.

He added: “Unfortunately it was cut short due to Covid but I was there for about two months.

“I got a few games and it was my first experience of men’s football.

“I feel that even in that short period of time, I learnt quite a lot and it definitely got me ready for the next stage.

“Everyone was there to win and do anything for the three points.

“You could see that in training and there was a big mixture of different ages."

Gbadebo is available to make his Colchester debut this weekend when they travel to play Leyton Orient.

The centre-back signed for the U's on transfer deadline day but along with fellow signing Tyreik Wright, was not registered in time to play against Rochdale, on Tuesday night.