COLCHESTER United boss Aidy Boothroyd confirmed that David Prutton will be joining the club on a permanent basis following his super debut strike last night.

Mark Armstrong

COLCHESTER United boss Aidy Boothroyd confirmed that David Prutton will be joining the club on a permanent basis following his super debut strike last night.

Prutton joined the U's in a one-month loan move yesterday morning before announcing himself in style with a 25-yard strike just two minutes into his debut as a sub.

Boothroyd hailed the goal, which finally saw off the 10 men of MK Dons, and confirmed that a permanent deal for the former Southampton man is on the way.

"It was a tremendous strike and great way for him to introduce himself to the fans," said a delighted U's boss.

"I got him in on loan quickly because I wanted him to be available for this game, but we will try and make it permanent before the end of the month.

"He's a player that has been there and done it and he is the sort of leader we need."

Reflecting on his first win of 2010, Boothroyd added: "The Gillingham game was a nice way to get back and this was even better.

"We're back to what we do best - keeping clean sheets - and now we've got some goals too.

"I don't think it would be out of order to say that we could have won by more."

Meanwhile, Boothroyd confirmed that defender Paul Reid had aggrevated a groin problem yesterday morning, while Pat Baldwin is back in talks with Bristol Rovers regarding a move.

Home debutant Christian Ribeiro limped off moments before half-time last night with a groin injury and could now be out for the remainder of his loan spell.