U's new-boy Ian Henderson believes his Turkish experience has made him a stronger person.

And Colchester United’s latest signing is hoping playing abroad will help him become a big hit, upon his return to England.

Henderson joined the U’s on a free transfer, after a five-month spell in the Turkish Super League with Ankaragucu.

A change in the club’s hierarchy led to the striker leaving the capital city club, at the end of last year.

But having sealed his move to Colchester, the 24-year-old feels his time away from England will serve him well.

Henderson told the Gazette: “I personally found it exciting, challenging and rewarding.

“I really enjoyed my time there.

“I still speak to a couple of the people there and I look out for their results.

“I came back to England because there was a takeover and when the new president took over, I didn’t meet the criteria he wanted.

“I don’t look at it as a disappointment - it’s a learning curve and I’ve learnt how different cultures and different societies accept you.

“I feel like I have developed as a person and as a player.

“I’m able to deal with setbacks and being alone in a foreign place and because of that, I feel stronger mentally.”

Henderson’s arrival at Colchester has seen him reunited with Aidy Boothroyd.

The U’s manager was Henderson’s youth-team coach at Norwich City, where he spent many years as an up-and-coming youngster.

“I’m really happy to be working with the manager again, along with his staff and the rest of the players,” said Henderson, who has also had loan spells at the likes of Northampton Town and Luton Town.

“The fact that he’s the manager played a big part in my decision.

“He invited me to come and train after I left Turkey.

“I’ve known him for a long time and the way he was and the input he gave me when I was at Norwich was an important factor.

“He has an understanding of how I work as a person and he looks at things from a psychological aspect.”

Meanwhile, Gillingham are interested in signing Colchester’s Scott Vernon on loan.

The U’s striker had an ill-fated spell at the Priestfield Stadium earlier in the season, where he played just 41 minutes for the Gills after suffering a serious ankle injury against MK Dons, in October.

Vernon is currently still recovering from that setback but Gillingham manager Mark Stimson is keen to bring the striker back, on a temporary basis.

l Premier League official Mike Dean will referee Colchester’s much-anticipated clash with Norwich City on Saturday.