COLCHESTER United head coach Steve Ball believes the club have pulled off a 'massive coup' after snapping up Tommy Smith.

The U's completed the signing of the experienced defender last night, on a two-year deal.

Smith has been training with Colchester throughout pre-season, having left League One side Sunderland at the end of last season.

The 30-year-old had been linked with a switch to Scottish Championship side Hearts, last weekend.

However, he has now put pen to paper with Colchester to boost their League Two challenge - leaving boss Ball delighted.

Ball said: "It's a brilliant feather in our cap, it really is.

"We've signed a Championship centre-half - there's no two ways about that.

"Tommy was being courted by some top Scottish clubs.

"He's has got an absolutely refreshing attitude in the modern game.

"It's a massive coup for us."

Smith made more than 200 appearances for Colchester's neighbours, Ipswich Town.

He also made six appearances for the U's during a loan spell with the club in the 2010/11 season.

Smith has also played for Colorado Rapids, along with having loan spells at Stevenage and Brentford.

The defender has also represented New Zealand on 38 occasions.

He was born in England but later switched allegiance to the Pacific island.

Smith, who played in Colchester's 3-1 friendly defeat against League One side Peterborough United last night, played for his country at the 2010 World Cup.

The Kiwis drew with Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay and were undefeated but still went out of the tournament at the group stage.

The U's were on the lookout for a new centre-back following Luke Prosser's departure, at the end of last season.

The defender has made a positive impression at Florence Park since linking up with the U's in pre-season.