New signing Brian Launders breezed into Layer Road determined to make a name for himself with Colchester United.

The former Republic of Ireland under-21 and youth international attacking midfielder has been on the brink of a major breakthrough since moving to Crystal Palace from League of Ireland club Cherry Orchard in the autumn of 1993.

And he firmly believes his new two-year deal with the U's could be the perfect platform on which to relaunch his League career going into the millennium.

"I am really looking forward to the challenge," said the 23-year-old Dubliner.

"I have already played in Division Two for Crewe Alexandra and I really enjoyed the one game I played for Colchester earlier this year before injury ended my season early."

Launders was one of Layer Road manager Mick Wadsworth's transfer deadline day signings and he caught the eye with an impressive performance in the 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth before suffering a recurrence of an old knee injury which required surgery.

"I see Brian as a magnificent signing," said Wadsworth, who is clearly delighted to have got his man.

"He is a very talented individual and I believe he is now ready to make his mark in English League football.

"He definitely has what it takes to become an outstanding player and if everything goes as I hope it will, he could become our leading scorer next season."

Launders made just four League appearances for Crystal Palace and after a fruitless loan spell at Oldham he moved on to Crewe where he enjoyed almost 60 outings.

A further spell in Holland for Dutch first division club Veendham resulted in a dream move back to English football with Derby County last September where he made his Premiership debut as a second-half substitute against Leeds United only days before embarking on his ill-fated loan move to the U's.

New signing Brian Launders, right

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