Steve Whitton has sung the praises of in-form striker Barry Conlon after watching his new recruit pilot Colchester United to victory in two matches.

Conlon, who has put his name to a loan deal which will keep him at Layer Road until the end of the season, followed up his goal against Notts County with a gem at Luton Town last Saturday.

And U's boss Whitton, who initially signed the Irishman for a month, believes the towering 22-year-old can build on his already explosive impact.

Whitton said: "Barry has got better and better with every match he's played in. He looks fitter each week and he had one of his best games for us at Kenilworth Road.

"He's starting to do more of the things we want him to. At first he was trying to do too much himself but now he's learned to do things more simply.

"At the time he arrived I had to make a decision between Barry and Keith Scott. I didn't feel I'd seen enough of Barry and when he did play he had a couple of indifferent games, as everyone does.

"I was aware he hadn't played much first-team football but now he's looking fitter and working very hard for the team."

The York City striker, formerly with Manchester City and Southend United, has impressed U's fans with his first-time control, passing and battling qualities.

That was especially evident in the home match with Notts County when Conlon, wearing a head bandage, played on despite taking an early blow.

Barry Conlon - battling qualities have impressed U's fans

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