Colchester United manager John Ward expressed his delight after finally capturing the signing of Clinton Morrison.

And the U’s boss thinks the experienced striker will be a big hit with the rest of his squad.

Morrison’s arrival at the Weston Homes Community Stadium brought to an end Ward’s 18-month long pursuit for the forward.

The Colchester manager revealed he twice tried to sign the Republic of Ireland international on loan , during Morrison’s spell with Sheffield Wednesday.

Ward said: “I’m very pleased to sign Clinton.

“It’s a big boost for the whole squad.

“Over the last 18 months, I’ve tried to sign Clinton on loan from Sheffield Wednesday but have been beaten to his signature by both MK Dons and Brentford.

“I’ve spoken to other managers about him and I’m sure he’s done his homework on me too, because he’s a shrewd boy.

“He’s a character that we haven’t currently got in the squad and he’s also a type of player that we haven’t got, too.

“I know that I’ll have to manage him a bit but that’s fine and I like strong players.”

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