JOHN Sullivan might only be on loan, at Colchester United, but Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at Crewe “hurt” him deeply.

The U’s new keeper is not just going to go through the motions, during his temporary stay at the Essex club. He wants to make a big impact.

Stuck on the bench and in the reserves at Charlton, with little prospect of a first-team game, Sullivan did not need a second invitation to join Colchester.

The 24-year-old said ‘yes,’ straight away, and just 24 hours later was making his U’s debut at Crewe.

“I am not one of these loan players who people think – ‘he doesn’t care’ – I’m not like that. I do care, and this defeat hurts me,” insisted Sullivan.

“I had a very frustrating year last year, being on the bench behind a very good keeper in Ben Hamer.

“But that’s what you have to deal with, and I’ll be giving it my all at Colchester.

“This was my first senior game of the season. I was on the bench for the first five games, before Charlton came to me and asked me what I wanted to do this season.

“They asked me – do I want to stay and challenge Ben Hamer, the No. 1, or do I want to push myself by going out on loan?

“Straight away, I said I wanted to go loan, so Charlton brought in another good keeper, David Button from Tottenham.

“As soon as I got the phone call, I wanted to come.

“I said ‘yes’ straight away, because Colchester is a very good club. I remember that from Charlton last season, when they won 2-0 at The Valley.

“It’s good for me, and I hope the fans will keep with us.

“I’d rather go straight into the team, than come up here and be on the bench. I’m 24 years of age now, and I want to play football, which is why I have come to Colchester.

“I am very grateful to them, for giving me this opportunity.”

Sullivan is set to make his home debut against Bury on Saturday.