Colchester United have snapped up Crystal Palace striker Gareth Williams.

The 21-year-old Welshman, will sign on a month's loan this afternoon and he goes straight into the squad for Saturday's home game against promotion-chasing Blackpool.

U's boss Steve Whitton finally got his man after watching Williams score for Palace reserves in their 3-0 win at Barnet last night.

Williams was set to meet up with his new team-mates at Layer Road this afternoon.

Whitton said: "Gareth is a very clever player and hopefully he will go a long way to solving our goal-crisis for us."

A Selhurst Park trainee, Williams has already made five League and cup appearances for the First Division side this season.

He has yet to score in the League.

More on Colchester United FC

What are your views on Colchester United? Have your say on our Views on the U's bulletin board.

Published Thursday, January 23, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette