ANTHONY Scully says he is in an environment where he feels wanted after joining Colchester United.

The 25-year-old is raring to go following his season-long loan move to the U’s from Championship side Portsmouth.

Scully has experienced a frustrating two years at both Pompey and previous club Wigan Athletic, where his appearances were few and far between.

READ MORE: Colchester's players must 'celebrate' competition for places

But the forward has been given a new lease of life by his move to Colchester – and the former West Ham United youngster is keen to get back out on the pitch.

Scully said: “It’s been a really tough couple of years.

“I hadn’t played a lot of football due to injuries and other issues but I’m just determined to get myself back into an environment where I’m wanted which is what I’m feeling here from the management staff and back into an environment where I’m given the opportunity to play football.

“I’m just really eager to get playing again - I found it really hard not playing, especially last year.

“I came back really, really fit last year and I had so many injuries last year which is not really like me, I’m not used to it.

“But I also had my daughter last year and it kind of evens things out and puts things into perspective.

(Image: PA WIRE)

“It was tough last year but luckily enough, I had a little girl and she made it a lot easier and really did help with a lot of the stuff on the football pitch.”

Scully joined Colchester late on deadline day, following Brad Ihionvien’s departure to Peterborough United.

The former Lincoln City attacker has revealed he had been in contact with former U’s sporting director Dmitri Halajko, prior to signing for the League Two club.

He said: “It was something that came up at the last minute really, literally in the last hour.

“Speaking with Dmitri, I know he’d left but that was a conversation that we had, to see if there was a possibility to get out and get back playing football and literally, within half an hour it was all completed.

READ MORE: Early numbers are good for Jack Payne after impressive start

“There were a few things that kind of fell through and I was determined to get myself out and back playing again and that was important.

“So I decided to give Dmitri a message and it turned out it was a possibility.

“I spoke to the manager and everything I heard about the club and he was exactly what I was told, so I’m really happy that we got it done.

“I had a great relationship with Dmitri at West Ham and I’d spoken to him about Colchester, earlier in the window.

“It all came together right at the end, so I’m delighted.”

(Image: PA WIRE)

While Scully did not play under the Cowleys at Lincoln, he nevertheless had plenty of familiar faces to greet him when he first arrived at the club’s Florence Park training ground in Tiptree, earlier this week.

The forward played alongside Teddy Bishop, Tom Hopper, Jack Payne, Harry Anderson and Alex Woodyard for the Imps and also knows of goalkeeper Matt Macey, from Portsmouth.

He said: “I’ve played with a lot of the boys from the Lincoln days and I know the club’s ambitions and it’s perfect.

“You can see from the players we’ve brought in, it’s all fitting together and going in the right direction.

“The managers are exactly how I’ve been told from a few boys when I was at Portsmouth.

READ MORE: Milton Oni ruled out for 'several months' with serious knee injury

“I’ve always heard so many good things about them and the way that they work and the way that they are day to day, I think we would suit really well and I just want to do the best that I can for them.

“I think it really suits my personality and what I’m like every day.

“They have the same outlook on football, which is perfect for me and just what I need.

“I think it’s going to be a really positive season and the environment is great, as is the atmosphere.”

 

Scully is in line to make his Colchester debut in their home clash with Bromley, on Saturday.

He added: “I feel fit and healthy.

“I’ve not played many matches but apart from that, I’ve kept myself in really good condition.

“I came in at the start of the week and training’s been really good, as have the boys and the staff.”