Ross Johnson has revealed he is ready to put pen to paper on a long-term deal at Colchester United.

The 24-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion defender is on loan at Layer Road after signing a short-term deal on Tuesday, but already he's keen to make the move permanent.

U's boss Steve Whitton turned his attentions to Johnson after injury and suspension ruled out another loan signing, Ipswich defender Titus Bramble, from the next three games.

Johnson has been frozen out of Albion boss Micky Adams' plans at the Withdean Stadium and will be free to leave under the Bosman ruling when his contract expires in the summer.

And the Brighton-born defender, who was expected to make his debut for the U's reserves against Leyton Orient at Layer Road this afternoon, wants to be part of Steve Whitton's plans.

He said: "I'm here for a month but I want to show the manager just what I am capable of. If everything goes well during my loan spell then I hope we can turn it into something more permanent.

"I've been playing reserve team football since the Brighton manager told me at Christmas I wasn't part of his plans. It was heartbreaking because I am a local lad and it was a dream come true to play for my home town club.

"But it was made pretty clear my future lies away from Brighton so now I'm pleased to get away and make a fresh start elsewhere. Colchester have given me a chance to prove I am good enough to play in a higher division and I want to grab it with both hands."

Whitton has watched Johnson, who has made around 150 appearances for the Seagulls, a number of times and is understood to be keen to add him to the playing staff in the summer.

With transfer-listed David Greene's future still uncertain and the injury to Bramble, Whitton was desperate to shore up his defence ahead of Saturday's match at Notts County.

He also has the option of drafting in former Chelsea defender David Lee, who was expected to play alongside Johnson for the reserves on Wednesday.

The former England Under 21 defender, on trial at Layer Road, is not fully match fit but Whitton may have to bring him into the first team squad.

The U's are laying on a supporters' coach for the FA Youth Cup tie at Leeds United next Thursday. The coach will leave Layer Road at 1pm and prices are as follows: adults - members (£15), non-members (£20), juniors/OAPs - members (£12), non-members (£12).

For more information contact the club on 01206 508800.

Keen to make a fresh start - Ross Johnson.

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