BILLY Clifford sees his young career ‘blossoming’ at Colchester United

Talented midfielder Clifford yesterday extended his loan stay from Chelsea for the remainder of the season.

He has been impressing in the centre of the park, alongside veteran David Wright to give the U’s a solid platform.

And there is much more to come from the cool-headed Clifford over the next couple of months, as the U’s bid to avoid relegation – they dropped a place to 20th in the League One table last night, following Scunthorpe United’s 3-1 home win over Carlisle.

Clifford enthused: “The gaffer (Joe Dunne) has given me a lot of minutes so far, and I am just getting my head down and developing on the pitch.

“I think I am blossoming, because it’s just what I needed at this time in my career.

“And we’ve definitely got enough to get out of this difficult situation,” added Clifford.

The U’s travel to Sheffield United this weekend. The Blades won 2-0 at relegation-haunted Bury last night.