Cole Kpekawa is looking to grab his chance with both hands, after signing for Colchester United on a month’s loan this week.

Teenage defender Kpekawa has moved from QPR in search of league experience, and he should get just that with the League One U’s, starting against Coventry City this afternoon.

Kpekawa, who can operate as a centre-half or left-back, will go straight into the squad to face the Sky Blues at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

And the 18-year-old is relishing the challenge of proving himself, in the Football League.

“The move has come as a little bit of a surprise, because I didn’t expect it at the start,” revealed Kpekawa.

“I was told straight after the game I played (for QPR Under-21s) against Colchester (last week) that I was coming here, and I’m happy to be here.

“I’ve been at QPR since I was eight years old, and this is my first ever move away from QPR, so it’s a bit of a shock to me, being at Colchester, though I’m looking forward to it.

“This is the opportunity I have been looking for. This season, I had been looking to go out on loan, to get some league appearances, and some league experience.

“The chance has come along, so I’ve grabbed it with both hands, and come to Colchester.

“It feels a bit strange being away from QPR, but you need to get out and see other places, and get that experience.

“Luckily, Colchester have given me that chance to be here and play league football, because not many teams would give a young defender a chance in league football at my age, so I’m grateful,” added Kpekawa.

It seems likely that Kpekawa, who signed a one-year professional contract with QPR last April, will feature more as a left-back than centre-half during his time at Colchester.

Fit-again Magnus Okuonghae should return to partner Tom Eastman in central defence against Coventry, so Kpekawa will probably be vying for the left-back role with Sean Clohessy, Michael O’Donoghue and Ben Gordon.

“I’m a centre-back, but I can play left-back as well,” continued Kpekawa.

“As a left-back, I like to get forward, and when I’m a centre-back I like to get on the ball and play.

“I should fit in well here, because it’s clear from my very first training session that Colchester like to play football. That suits me.

“This is an important step for me, playing in League One at my age. You can’t get much better than that, because it’s very hard to be playing for QPR in the Premier League, at 18 as a defender. This should stand me in good stead.

“I expect it to be physical, playing in League One, and I think the first game I play in will be a challenge, but I have to get used to that, and learn a lot.

“It’s going to be quicker and tougher than what I’ve been playing in, that’s for sure.

“Under-21 football is all about learning the game, rather than getting the results, but this move is all about getting results.

“I want to help out Colchester, by getting some results.”