New Colchester United signings, Eli Phipps and Tommy O’Sullivan are delighted to have signed on at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

O’Sullivan, 22, was named Wales’ Young Player of the Year in 2015 and, having made his senior debut for Cardiff in the League Cup, in the 2012-13 season, has enjoyed loan spells in League One and League Two with Port Vale and Newport County respectively.

Phipps, 19, has been signed to play in the U’s development squad initially, having spent 10 years with the Bluebirds, and had time on loan with Gloucester City.

While Phipps is considered as a prospect for the future, O’Sullivan could be thrown straight into the squad for Saturday’s game at Exeter.

O’Sullivan said: “I sat down with the manager at Cardiff (Neil Warnock) and said that it was best for us to move on because there is no opportunity for us to push on.

“We have been lucky to get out and hopefully play first-team football now.”

He added: “I was at Newport last year and the difference (between the clubs) is massive. The facilities here are a lot better, we have our own training ground and the stadium is really good.

“I think the club is looking to push in the right direction.”

O’Sullivan made 20 appearances for the Exiles last season, so has some experience of the Football League’s basement division.

“The plan is to kick-on and improve and hopefully the chances will come,” O’Sullivan explained.

“It’s a big move for me, a fresh new start and the start of our career you could say.

“At Cardiff we were still considered as academy players. Now, we are free to go and play and I think we are both looking forward to it.

“I have had a taste of the first-team before. At Newport it wasn’t great and we were down at the bottom.

“It is more enjoyable when you are winning games and not looking over your shoulder. Hopefully we can push on here.”

As for Phipps, the youngster is happy to have been given a chance to try and secure first-team football.

“It’s a big opportunity for me and I haven’t played first-team football much, so hopefully I can do well here and contribute to the team and score goals,” he said.

“For me, it’s the under-23s as I’m only 19 but with a view to pushing into the first team as well hopefully.”