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Colchester United have signed former Nottingham Forest midfielder Joel Thompson on a short-term contract.

The 19-year-old Northern Irishman was a free agent after his deal with Forest was cancelled prior to last week's transfer deadline day.

Thompson joins a Colchester side 15th in League Two after taking four points from their opening four games.

"I'm here to play men's football, I want to do as much as I can in football and this is my next step - hopefully the gaffer will give me that chance," he

"I can play lots of different positions, I love getting on the ball and hopefully I can help the team to win games."

Colchester are next in action with a home game against Bromley on Saturday.