Colchester United have a made a move to sign Brighton & Hove Albion defender Ross Johnson on loan.

Boss Steve Whitton turned his attentions to the 24-year-old centre-half after on-loan defender Titus Bramble picked up a knee injury in Saturday's 5-4 thriller against Bristol Rovers.

Johnson was expected to arrive at Layer Road this afternoon to meet Whitton and the backroom team before completing his one month loan signing.

Whitton has taken him with a view to a permanent deal and could acquire him on a Bosman- style free transfer at the end of the season when his contract at the Withdean Stadium runs out.

The U's boss has been trailing the experienced stopper for some time.

"He is an excellent player and will be a tremendous acquisition

"I've seen him play many times for Brighton and can honestly say I have never seen him have a bad game.

"We have nothing to lose by bringing him in on loan and if he does well for us then hopefully it might lead to something more permanent."

Johnson is expected to play in Wednesday's reserve team game against Leyton Orient at Layer Road and could be in line for a first team debut on Saturday against Notts County.

He has played nearly 150 games for Brighton and was a regular in their first team until about a month ago.

Johnson made his debut in 1994 before really making the breakthrough to the side in the 1995-6 season and has been a regular ever since.

But Bramble and midfielder Andy Arnott are both out of Whitton's plans after breaking down in training yesterday.

Skipper Richard Wilkins, who has been out of the side for six weeks since injuring his neck, has been given the all-clear to resume training.

Wilkins, 34, has not played since the 3-0 home defeat by Brentford last year but is building up to full fitness.

And Arnott, whose first team appearances have been limited since his move from Brighton in September, walked off the training ground yesterday with a suspected hernia.

With Karl Duguid suspended for the trip it leaves Whitton scratching around for a side to put out at Meadow Lane.

Bramble is then suspended for the home game against Bournemouth after picking up five yellow cards this season.

Defender Fabrice Richard remains transfer-listed but the U's have yet to receive a single inquiry for the Frenchman.

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