Colchester United new boy Andy Bond has set himself a double figures goal target following a superb Football League debut.

The 24-year-old instantly looked at home in League One in the 2-2 draw at Exeter on Saturday following his summer move from non-league club Barrow.

Colchester boss John Ward compared the box-to-box midfielder to iconic film character ‘Forrest Gump’ following a tireless display of running – something he believes will make him a big hit with U’s fans.

And the confident Wigan-born player is not shying away from the praise, immediately setting himself an ambitious goal target in his first season at this level.

“My target is to get into double figures,” said Bond. “I’ve got a lot of energy and I like to get forward and score goals. I set myself the same target last year and got nine, so hopefully I can do it this time.”

Bond impressed in a midfield three on Saturday alongside Kemi Izzet and David Perkins, but with the likes of Lloyd James and Lee Beevers waiting in the wings he knows he will have to keep the performance levels high if he is to retain his stating place.

“I got the news I was starting on Friday and I was absolutely buzzing,” said Bond.

“I wasn’t expecting to be starting the first league game when I first arrived here to be honest. I just came with the aim of working hard in pre-season and I’ve obviously done enough.

“I thought I played well, I thought the team played well, it’s just a shame we couldn’t quite get all three points.

“I played in a 4-4-2 last season at Barrow, but we have started with a three man midfield here and I thought we worked well together. Obviously there are others that can come into midfield though, so it keeps everybody on their toes.”

U’s boss Ward said: “Andy Bond is like Forest Gump – he just keeps on running! Sometimes he runs into places he shouldn’t, but that’s a good fault if you like. He has got such a keeness and willingness for the game and I think the fans are going to take to him for that.”

Reflecting on his summer move, Bond said: “Two months ago the gaffer (Ward) rang me and invited me to come and look around the stadium and to have a chat. I spoke to Joe (Dunne), they made me and offer and I liked what I saw.

“Barrow did offer me a new contract, but the chance to play in the Football League was too good a chnace to turn down.

“I was released by Crewe at 20 and obviously had to take a step back. Ever since then I’ve been working hard in non-league to try and get to this point.”