LUKE Norris says he is 'excited' about the prospect of joining his home town club Stevenage.

The 27-year-old has quit Colchester United to join their League Two rivals Boro in a deal until the end of the season.

Norris, who was due to be out of contract at Colchester in the summer, was born in Stevenage.

And the striker says he is looking forward to plying his trade for the Hertfordshire club.

Norris told the Stevenage FC website: "I'm excited to get it done.

"An opportunity came up and being a local lad as well, it's something that I've always considered.

"The opportunity has come and I thought that now was the time.

"I've scored a couple against Stevenage over the years but I've had some bad days here as well!

"It's always been a team that's been a tough test and it's nice now that I can be a part of it.

"Knowing the manager Revs (Alex Revell), we've had respect for one another for a long time.

"We've always spoken and it's come up a couple of times over the last few years about coming here and it's not sort of materialised.

"But now I think it's the right time and hopefully, we can help the club get up the table."

Norris made 96 appearances during his time with the U's and scored 23 goals.

He joined Colchester from Swindon Town in the summer of 2018, for an undisclosed fee.

Norris, who has made more than 300 career appearances, is one of three new signings announced by Stevenage today.

The experienced forward will link up again with former U's skipper Luke Prosser, who joined Stevenage in the summer, along with fellow ex-Colchester players Ben Coker and Femi Akinwande.

The League Two strugglers have also signed Chris Lines from Northampton Town and Matty Stevens on loan from Forest Green Rovers, until the end of the season.

Stevenage's form has improved of late and they currently lie in 22nd spot, with goal difference keeping them out of the relegation zone.

Norris added: "The last few results have been great - it lifts the place and it makes it a much better place to come to work every day.

"Hopefully, I can come in and contribute to a few more wins."