COLCHESTER United have completed the signing of Ipswich Town attacker Armando Dobra on a season-long loan.

The U's have snapped up the versatile youngster, who has made 30 league and cup appearances for Ipswich since scoring on his senior debut for them in a Carabao Cup tie against Luton Town in August, 2019.

The 20-year-old has made three appearances for Town so far, this season and started their defeat at Burton Albion, earlier this month.

Colchester are thought to have beaten off competition from the likes of League One sides Burton and Shrewsbury Town to sign Dobra.

Dobra is set to stay with the U's for the rest of the season. although the Gazette understands Ipswich do have a recall option for January should they wish to activate it.

U's player recruitment consultant Steve Ball said: “I think Armando's an outstanding player.

“He’s a very, very highly rated, exceptional creative dribbler and I think it’s a brilliant signing for the club.

“He was well sought after and he’s obviously been playing quite a lot this year for Ipswich and been on the bench and coming on.

“When I coached and managed the club, he’s always been on the radar as someone I really like as a footballer.

“I’ve followed him through his youth and reserve career at Ipswich and when I moved into this role at the back end of last year, he was one who was firmly on the radar.

“The chairman (Robbie Cowling) has done great for us in helping with the deal – he’s done a lot of work behind the scenes to make it happen.

“As soon as we got wind that there was a possibility of signing him, I think that changed everything a little bit in terms of who to bring in."