COLCHESTER United boss John McGreal says he is delighted to finally get his man after snapping up winger Luke Gambin.

The U's tried to sign Gambin last January but were rebuffed in their efforts, as he had already played for Luton Town and Crawley Town and EFL rules prevent players from representing more than two clubs in any one season.

Colchester instead signed Callum Roberts on loan from Newcastle United but always maintained an interest in Gambin.

And after the Malta international arrived on a two-year deal following his departure from Luton, U's head coach McGreal says he will be a good fit for the club, as they go in search of League Two promotion.

McGreal told the Gazette: “We’re delighted to have Luke.

“We enquired about him in January – we were looking for a player of that type of ilk before we eventually brought in Callum Roberts.

“It was just unfortunate that Luke had already made an appearance for Luton and Crawley and because of that three-team rule (in one season), we couldn’t go and get him.

“He’s been away with Malta in the off season so we’ve had to bide our time and he’s been to see a couple of clubs himself.

“But once we knew he was available we were just trying to get him in to show him what we can do and see if he would be a good fit for us and he was delighted."

Gambin can play on either the left or right flank or alternatively, in a central attacking role.

“Luke’s a bit of a creator with nice balance and a left foot," said the U's boss.

“He was delighted to sign and he’s one that we needed.

“It’s a big plus for us that Luke can play in more than one role, that flexibility.

“He can play on the right side, the middle and the left side and he does bring that nice bit of balance to us.

“We’ve lost Brennan Dickenson and his left foot but we’ve been able to replace him with a boy in Luke who’s got himself out of the league with Luton.

“He didn’t play that much in division one and he could have sat and got his money.

“But he got himself out and got his game time and he’s played for Malta as well, so we’re hoping for good stats off him in pre-season!"