Ian Westlake has revealed his gratitude to Colchester United boss John Ward.

The former Ipswich Town midfielder is training with the U’s to keep his fitness up, after parting company with Wycombe Wanderers.

The 27-year-old played last night in Colchester’s reserve-team derby draw against Southend United.

Westlake, who made 125 appearances during four years at Portman Road, is on the look-out for a new club after leaving the Chairboys.

“I’m not taking anything for granted and, first and foremost, I’m here to keep fit until the end of the season,” Westlake told the Gazette.

“Anything more will be a bonus.

“The manager has been kind enough to help me and he’s doing me a huge favour.

“So far I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.

“It’s a good bunch of lads and I already knew Matt Heath from our time together at Leeds and Ashley Vincent from Cheltenham.

“It’s been really nice training with them and the set up here is very good.”

See Wednesday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news.