COLCHESTER United brought in attacker Beryly Lubala on loan from Blackpool, to boost their firepower.

The 24-year-old, who started out at Birmingham City, has linked up with the U's on a season-long loan, from the Championship club.

He appeared in Blackpool’s Carabao Cup tie against Barrow earlier this month but has played only 21 times for the Tangerines in his two-and-a-half years, at Bloomfield Road.

Lubala will now spend the rest of the season on loan at Colchester and already has experience of playing in League Two, having impressed for Crawley Town in the division and also played on loan at Northampton Town, last season.

 

But what kind of player are Colchester getting?

Matt Scrafton, the Blackpool FC writer for the Blackpool Gazette, believes Lubala is likely to be utilised as a winger by the U's - and expects him to make an impact at his new club.

He said: "He's a winger in that he has pace and power and there is certainly something there.

"He's never going to be a number nine, with his back to goal holding the ball up.

"He could be one of a two but I'd count him as a left winger who can also play on the right, as he's quite good with both feet.

"He was signed when Blackpool were in League One and I'd imagine he will leave, when his contract is up.

"But he scored quite a few goals for Crawley when he was there.

"I think he scored 13 when he was there, even though some of those were penalties.

 

"Last season, he played 14 games on loan at Northampton who did well and were a side pushing for promotion.

"I'd imagine if he plays regularly and stays fit, he'll get amongst the goals."

Lubala spent the second half of last season on loan at Northampton, with whom he reached the League Two play-offs.

He featured as a second-half substitute for the Cobblers in their 3-0 triumph over Colchester in February and made five league starts in total for Jon Brady's side.

Following the culmination of his loan spell, Lubala returned to parent club Blackpool, where he has just enjoyed a productive pre-season.

 

He scored in the friendlies against Southport, Rangers and AFC Fylde, promoting some Blackpool fans to suggest he might get a chance to push for a place in Michael Appleton's first-team squad in the Championship.

"He had a really good pre-season with Blackpool and ended it as the top scorer," said Scrafton.

"He played in games against some of the non-league sides and the weaker teams, so to speak.

"But he did well and scored a really good goal against Rangers.

Gazette:

Addition - Beryly Lubala has signed for Colchester United on a season-long loan from Championship side Blackpool Picture: WWW.CU-FC.COM

"Some felt he warranted a loan move to League One but he just needs to be out there playing really.

"He certainly has something and I think he'll do pretty well for Colchester.

"League Two looks like a good fit for him where he'll play games."

Lubala is in line to make his Colchester debut when they play host to Hartlepool United in League Two, on Saturday.