George Moncur is ready to embrace the new challenge of becoming a regular in Colchester United’s starting line-up.

Midfielder Moncur completed a loan move from West Ham on Thursday afternoon, signing for the U’s on a six-month deal until January 11.

It was no big surprise, given that the 20-year-old has been a mainstay of the U’s squad during the whole of pre-season.

But both the player, and U’s boss Joe Dunne, were delighted to get the deal rubber-stamped in time for this afternoon’s League One opener against Oldham Athletic.

Moncur is definitely in the 20-man squad to face the visiting Latics today, and he looks all set to make his U’s competitive debut in this curtain-raiser.

“I’m delighted to sign. I’m over the moon,” enthused Moncur.

“I’ve signed for six months. I hope to do myself justice during this time, and help out the team. And if everything goes to plan, I might even end up signing for longer.

“It’s a big step up for me, and I am ready to take my chance.

“I’ve been playing under-21 football with West Ham, but this is an opportunity to play at a higher level and to really challenge myself.

“I’ve been on loan before, at AFC Wimbledon, but that was in League Two, and again last season I had a spell in Scotland (with Partick Thistle).

“But now I have a chance to show what I can do in League One, playing for a team that likes to get the ball down and play.

“Colchester United’s style of football should suit mine, down to the ground.

“I’ve really loved playing in pre-season with the lads, and it has helped me having got to know the players over the last few weeks, rather than just signing out of the blue.

“There are some really good young players at the club, and of course I know all about Freddie Sears (ex-West Ham).

“It’s a good set-up, and it will help my game to play in a passing team, and for a manager who likes to play that style of football.

“I want to improve my own game, over the next six months. It’s great that I have this long to establish myself, rather than just signing for the odd month.

“I’m very excited about the season ahead, and I’d love to make my debut this weekend,” added Moncur.

Swindon-born Moncur, whose Dad John Moncur played for Tottenham, Swindon and West Ham (and had a brief loan spell with Ipswich in 1991), signed his first professional contract with West Ham in September 2010, after graduating from the Academy.

He has not yet made a league appearance for the Hammers, although he did made his debut for the East Londoners in a League Cup tie against Crewe on August 28, 2012, coming on as an 84th minute substitute for Kevin Nolan.

In addition, Moncur scored two goals in 20 league appearances for AFC Wimbledon during a three-month loan spell in early 2012, and played twice for Partick Thistle at the end of last term.