Colchester United have brought in Welsh Under-21 striker Casey Thomas as an emergency loan signing ahead of their League One trip to Tranmere Rovers on Saturday.

With Steven Gillespie being ruled out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury picked up in last week's win against Notts County, U's boss John Ward has brought in the Swansea City youngster to bolster his forward options.

The 21-year-old will be with Colchester until January 2 subject to clearance from the FA of Wales and the Premier League.

He said: "It's important I try to get some Football League games under my belt at my age.

"I've had spells on loan at Newport and Port Talbot, so this is the next step for me.

"I'm looking forward to helping Colchester as much as I can.

"The manager (Brendan Rodgers) has told me it is a good club with a good manager who has a lot of experience.

"I'm sure I can learn a lot there and the loan spell can only help me develop."

See Monday's paper for a match report, reaction and pictures from the U's trip to Tranmere.