Colchester United’s newest recruit, Cian Bolger, admits he was surprised when Colchester United made a move to sign him this week.

Centre-half Bolger yesterday completed a loan switch from Bolton Wanderers, and will make a quickfire debut for the U’s alongside Magnus Okuonghae in the heart of defence against Peterborough tomorrow.

The Irishman chalked up 52 senior games for Bristol Rovers, in three different loan spells, but never made an appearance for his first club Leicester City, and is still waiting to make his debut for Bolton.

However, he is raring to go this weekend, after linking up with his new Colchester team-mates at the Florence Park training ground in Tiptree yesterday morning.

“I’m looking forward to it,” enthused 21-year-old Bolger.

“It was a bit surprising really. I got a phone call yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, and it was all done really quickly.

“I kind of got wind at Bolton that I might be going on loan, but this really came out of the blue.

“That’s the life of a footballer. You can get a phone call one minute and everything changes. It’s all part of the job.

“I’ve no wife or kids to worry about, so it’s OK for me to pack my bag and go off to play football elsewhere.”

Bolger spent three years at Leicester, from 2010, but has really learnt his trade playing first team football at League Two outfit Bristol Rovers, who are currently managed by former U’s boss John Ward.

He signed for Championship club Bolton earlier this year, on January 31, but has so far had to bide his time at Dougie Freedman’s struggling Trotters.

“I feel that I’m match fit,” continued Bolger, who was born in County Kildare.

“I’ve been playing regularly for Bolton Reserves, and in the Under-21 League, so I’ve been playing most weeks.

“Obviously it’s not the same as playing first team football, but it has kept me ticking over.”