Colchester United manager Kevin Keen has bolstered his squad, for the relegation struggle ahead, by signing defender Nicky Shorey.

Shorey has been recruited on a free transfer, until the end of the season.

The 34-year-old was most recently playing his football in India – he spent six months at Pune City.

But the experienced left-back is best known for his days at the likes of Leyton Orient, Reading (twice), Aston Villa, West Brom, Bristol City and Portsmouth.

In fact, he has played more than 500 games in English football.

Shorey will contest the left-back role with Matt Briggs, over the weeks and months ahead.

He is the third new signing of the January transfer window, following the loan moves of keeper Jake Kean (from Norwich and attacker Elliot Lee (from West Ham).

It is hoped that Shorey will help to tighten up a defence that has conceded more goals than any other club in the Football League.

New recruit Shorey said: “I’ve been involved in training over the past week and really enjoyed it.

“I’ve joined a good group of lads with a lot of quality, so I’m looking forward to working with them and making a positive contribution.

“We’ll be looking for better results in the coming weeks, but I thought the performance against Sheffield United (2-1 ome defeat) was very good and we could have won last night (1-1 draw against Fleetwood).

“We need to start turning those performances into wins, and if we keep doing the right things, show the same work ethic and perhaps get a little bit of good fortune, then we can turn things around.

“The manager (Keen) has explained exactly what he wants from me and I’m really looking forward to it.”