FIACRE Kelleher says scoring on his home debut was a 'dream start' to his Colchester United career.

Kelleher, who joined the U's from Bradford City earlier this month, came off the bench to score their equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Salford City.

The 26-year-old centre-back had come on as a first-half substitute for injured Tom Dallison in the League Two clash at the JobServe Community Stadium.

It was a memorable first home Colchester appearance for Kelleher, who is now targeting more goals after quickly getting off the mark for his new club.

Kelleher said: "It was a dream start for me really.

"I timed my header well and thankfully, it went in.

"That's my second goal of the season and I'm hoping for a few more.

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"Obviously the circumstances in which I had to come on aren't ideal.

"I think Dallo has been superb the last few games, so I hope it's nothing too bad for him.

"The minute he went down, I was getting my head ready for it and in that zone.

"Then afterwards, I put my arm round him and made sure everything was alright for him personally."

Kelleher became one of five new signings for Colchester this month so far when he joined them for an undisclosed fee from Bradford.

The 6ft 3in former Celtic youngster has had to be patient and wait for his first start.

However, he is hoping he has done enough to be named in Matt Bloomfield's starting line-up for the vital trip to play Hartlepool United, this weekend.

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"It shows how well the lads at the back have been playing since I've come in," said Kelleher, who has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Colchester.

"They've kept clean sheets and we've got really good results, so it's only fair that they keep their place.

"The momentum is building - it's just about looking forward now and not really worrying about what's behind us if we keep playing like that.

"I'll never say I'm a definite to start but hopefully, I've done enough.

"I've been to a few clubs now and this has been one that's been really easy to settle in to.

"The group of lads and everyone connected to the club have been so welcoming and the gaffer has been really good with me, asking me how I'm getting on and settling in.

"He's made it a place where I can feel comfortable and I think that makes it easier for me to be myself."

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Kelleher played as part of a three-man defensive unit for Colchester against Salford.

He slotted in alongside Luke Chambers and Connor Hall and the Republic of Ireland under-19 international says he is familiar with playing in such a role.

He added: "I've got quite a lot of experience playing in a three.

"At Macclesfield for two years when I was there we played as a three and at Wrexham, too.

"I've played either side in the middle or in the right, so it made it a little bit easier for me.

"With the two experienced lads next to me, it was pretty easy to just slot in there.

"They had a few crosses that we had to deal with Chambers and Hally in there, I felt quite comfortable to be fair.

"They talked to me quite well, we worked well together and I think we had everything sewn up."