Tommy Smith is ready to make an instant impact at Colchester United.

The 20-year-old, who played in last year’s World Cup in South Africa, has became the first New Zealand international to sign for the U’s.

The centre-back has joined them on loan from Ipswich Town, until the end of the season.

Smith has already tasted life in League One, having played eight games on loan for Brentford last season.

And having been starved of first-team action at Portman Road over the last few months, he wants to make an immediate impression with Colchester.

Smith said: “I just want to go out and play my football and I’m itching to play games.

“I spoke to the Ipswich manager (Paul Jewell) and he told me that he’d like to see me play more in competitive games and go from there.

“He hasn’t seem me play and he wanted me go out and play in a competitive environment.

“I hope I can do that and I want to do well for Colchester United.

“I haven’t played for a couple of months now and although that’s not what I want, it’s given me a chance to recharge my batteries.

“I’ve already played in League One as this time last season, I was at Brentford.

“They were in the same kind of situation and I got a few games under my belt.

“I don’t think there’s much difference between the Championship and League One.”

Smith is in line for his Colchester United debut tomorrow at Tranmere Rovers.

For more on this story and a full preview of the U's game at Tranmere this weekend, see Friday's Gazette.