BRENDAN Wiredu says he can't wait to get started after joining Colchester United on loan from Charlton Athletic until January.

The U's have snapped up the 19-year-old midfielder, who has made four first-team appearances for the Addicks, ahead of tonight's transfer deadline.

Wiredu, who impressed for Charlton in pre-season scoring four goals in four games, tweeted: 'Delighted. Can't wait to get started'.

The teenager, who scored for Charlton in their 2-1 friendly win at Colchester in pre-season, is capable of playing in several positions including right wing-back, where he featured heavily for the Championship side in pre-season.

Charlton Academy Manager Steve Avory said: "It's a wonderful opportunity for him.

"He's going to a club who has a good focus on young player development and I know the manager, John McGreal, is someone who believes in developing young players.

"Brendan has proved that he can cope at National League level at the back end of last season with Bromley, so this is a logical step for him."

Addicks boss Lee Bowyer, speaking to News Shopper in July, said it was always the plan for Wiredu to go out on loan, this season.

He said: “Brendan is nowhere near ready.

"He's not even played a League One game so he can't come and play in the Champ [yet], he needs to go and learn.

“He's done well and he's scored the odd goal but you can just see the difference in the levels [of quality].

"You aren't going to score against Dagenham and Redbridge and Ebbsfleet, you're going to play similar to what you've just witnessed today [against Aston Villa].

“No disrespect to Brendan but he's not ready for that.”

Wiredu, who has been a regular for Charlton under-23s over the last 18 months, will provide another welcome option for U's boss John McGreal.

Colchester are currently without Luke Gambin and Brandon Comley who are both away on international duty, while Harry Pell, Tom Lapslie and Diaz Wright are all currently sidelined.

Colchester's under-23s lost 4-1 at Sheffield Wednesday this afternoon, in their latest Professional Development League Two match.

Ben Hughes (2), Jordan O'Brien and Liam Waldock scored for the Owls, with two of their goals coming in the final few minutes.