Clifford Is Excited For U's Chance

The U's new loanee Billy Clifford has admitted he will relish the prospect of playing first team football during his initial month in north Essex.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder signed a month's loan deal for Joe Dunne this morning and has revealed his hopes for the time he's set to spend here, beginning with tomorrow's game with Scunthorpe United.

'If I can get a start tomorrow then that will be excellent for me and, if so, hopefully I can play well and get as many starts as possible,' he admitted to the club's official website.

'League football is different to the U21s league; you're playing for three points every game and really want to climb the table, so it will be a good challenge for me and one that I'm looking forward to.'

Joe Dunne went to watch Clifford in Chelsea's U21s game with Fulham last night, and the youngster explained how Dunne expressed his desire for the move along with a little help from former U's left back, Andy Myers, who played at Layer Road under Phil Parkinson.

'I heard a few things from Andy Myers at Chelsea who knows Joe Dunne quite well, and Joe has been to a few of our games,' Billy explained. 'I spoke to Joe last night after the Fulham game and he was eager to bring me in.

'I'm happy with the philosophy he wants to apply here and I'm looking forward to that.

'I have an attacking edge and like to get forward, get past players and set people up, but I do just play for the team.

'I've reached a point in my career where I need to experience league football, and I'm excited that Colchester have given me that chance.'


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