HIGHLY-rated left-back Marc Tierney, who was Colchester United's second loan signing before yesterday's transfer deadline, could well end up joining the U's on a permanent basis.

Carl Marston

Colchester soccer

By Carl Marston

HIGHLY-rated left-back Marc Tierney, who was Colchester United's second loan signing before yesterday's transfer deadline, could well end up joining the U's on a permanent basis.

And Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Simpson confessed that it didn't take long for his 23-year-old defender to decide on a switch to the ambitious U's.

Tierney is widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in the lower divisions, and has been a key figure for the Shrews since his switch from Oldham at the start of 2007, and the club's move to the New Meadow the following summer. They lost to Bristol Rovers in the League Two play-off final in his first season.

The Shrews didn't want him to leave, but his contract expires this summer and talks have broken down between the player and the Shropshire club.

The result is Tierney's arrival at another new ground - the U's Weston Homes Community Stadium - initially on a five-month loan until the start of January.

Shrews boss Simpson admitted last night: “I don't think it took him (Tierney) very long to agree terms once he knew what they (Colchester) had to offer and what they want as a club.

“Marc is out of contract this summer and we've been speaking to the player and his agent about a new one. Although the talks weren't dead, we are a long way apart.

“Colchester got in touch on Tuesday with their first enquiry about taking him to the club.

“He is going into a very good football club, albeit they are having a few problems at the moment. They want to get back to the Championship and we want to get where they are now,” added Simpson.

The U's have had problems at left-back, ever since George Elokobi left to join Wolves at the start of the year. John White took on the mantle during the second half of last season, while summer signing Matt Lockwood is currently sidelined with a long-term knee injury and Crystal Palace loanee Lee Hills has returned to Selhurst Park because of injury.

U's boss Paul Lambert said: “I just felt the lads needed a bit help, so I've brought in a couple of new faces on loan.

“Lee (Hills) has gone back to Crystal Palace and his knee injury looks like keeping him out for longer than his deal lasts with us.

“Sam Williams is also back at Aston Villa having treatment. He did fine for me in his time here, and he might return after treatment,” added Lambert.

Tierney has made 90 senior appearances for Shrewsbury, including a 1-0 win over Colchester in a Carling Cup first round tie at the start of last season - the Shrews first competitive game at their new ground.