FORMER Colchester United favourite Sam Walker has signed for Scottish Championship side Kilmarnock.

The ex-U's shot-stopper, who was released by Championship club Reading earlier this summer, has joined Killie on a two-year deal.

Walker is set to make his Kilmarnock debut in their Premier Sports Cup match against East Kilbride, on Saturday.

And the 29-year-old former U's favourite, who made more than 200 appearances for Colchester, has revealed he spoke to his friend and former U's team Drey Wright - who currently plays in the Scottish Premiership for Hibs and has been playing in Scotland for the last three years - before making the move.

Gazette:

Walker said: “I think it’s a really exciting opportunity for me and coming to play in Scotland is something I’ve always wanted to do.

“I wanted to come and be part of a team and club who want to win promotion back to the Premiership and I’m just really excited to be here.

“I’m good friends with Drey Wright so I spoke with him and various other former team-mates who have played in Scotland.

"Everyone was really positive about the league and the fans especially so I’m looking forward to getting going.”

Walker became a firm favourite with Colchester fans, during his five-and-a-half years at the club.

The 6ft 6in shot-stopper initially joined the U's on loan from Premier League giants Chelsea in January, 2013.

Walker joined the club on a permanent basis in January 2014 after two loan spells.

He battled back superbly from a serious knee injury sustained in Colchester’s EFL Cup tie against Reading in August 2015, which kept him out for nearly a year.

Walker has since played for Reading and last season spent time on loan at both Blackpool and AFC Wimbledon, in League One.

Kilmarnock boss Tommy Wright said: “We’ve known we needed two players for this position and we’ve been looking since the end of the season.

“Sam was on our list and we’ve eventually got him and I’m really pleased to do that because now I look at it and feel that I’ve got two number one goalkeepers.

“Sam obviously has more experience than Zach but both are top goalkeepers and I look forward to working with both of them.

"Hopefully Sam’s experience can help Zach and us for what will be a really tough season.”