Ben Gordon jumped at the chance to join Colchester United, seeing it as a gateway to re-establishing himself in the English game.

Left-back Gordon, who spent last season at Scottish Premier club Ross County, is hoping to cement his position in the U’s team, after previously struggling to find regular football south of the border.

He signed for the U’s on a two-year deal last week.

The 23-year-old, who was on the books of Chelsea between 2007 and 2013, has had countless loan spells during his career, at the likes of Tranmere, Kilmarnock (twice), Scunthorpe, Peterborough and Birmingham.

But now he is looking to make a home for himself at Colchester.

“My main aim was to always get back to England to prove myself here,” revealed Gordon.

“So it was an easy decision to make. As soon as I heard of the interest, it was a big thing for me to get playing in English football.

“I see it as a massive opportunity for myself, to get back in there.

“It did go well for me up in Scotland. It was the first time I got regular football, playing week in, week out.

“But I always wanted to get back to England as soon as possible, to prove myself back here,” added Gordon, who played 27 league games for Ross County.

He has also had the bonus of already knowing several of the current U’s playing staff.

Gordon continued: “I know a few boys here, so I spoke to them as well as the manager (Joe Dunne) before I signed.

“I know Sam (Walker), Craig (Eastmond), Josh (Thompson) and Sanchez (Watt), while Billy Clifford was here on loan last season.

“They speak good words about the club, and the way they play football, with young players able to express themselves.

“That’s how I like to play. I like to get the ball down and play, joining in the attack from my full-back role, and the manager encourages it.

“We were mainly a counter-attack team at Ross County, so I learnt a lot about the defensive side of the game.

“I have to realise I am a defender first, and last year helped me develop my defensive side of the game.”