JUNIOR Ogedi-Uzokwe has today left Colchester United and competed his move to Israeli side Hapoel Hadera.

The 25-year-old striker has moved to the Israeli Premier League side on a permanent contract.

The former Maldon and Tiptree player made 12 appearances during his time at Colchester, scoring once.

U's director of Football Tony Humes told the club website: "We wish Junior well in Israel for this next chapter in his football career, and thank him for the wholehearted efforts he put in during his time with us.

"There was a lot of speculation in the past few days about Junior, but we never report on transfer deals until they actually happen.

"That can lead to deals breaking down, and that could have been especially the case in this one where international clearances were involved."

Ogedi-Uzokwe returned to Colchester in the final weeks of 2019, following his successful loan spell playing for Derry City, in the League of Ireland.

Ogedi-Uzokwe hit in an impressive 14 goals for Derry to establish himself as a fans’ favourite and finish as the league’s top goalscorer during his loan stint.

Ogedi-Uzokwe made his first Colchester appearance for nearly a year when he came on as a late substitute in their 0-0 draw at Stevenage, last month.

He also appeared off the bench for the final minutes of the 1-1 draw at Morecambe, the following week but has not featured since January 11 for Colchester.