COLCHESTER United have signed teenage defender Archange Nkumu on loan from Chelsea.

Nkumu, who celebrates his 19th birthday on November 5, has been at Stamford Bridge since the age of 10.

The Tottenham-born defender can play anywhere along the back four, and so will give valuable defensive back-up to U’s boss Joe Dunne.

The U’s have been short of defensive cover this season, and recent injuries to centre-half Matt Heath (hamstring) and right-back Brian Wilson (groin strain) have highlighted the problem.

Nkumu had a loan spell at League One side Yeovil Town at the beginning of the season, but only made one brief appearance.

Manager Dunne said: “It’s a youth loan and, as well as being around our first team, he will add to the quality of the Under-21s group.

“I’ve seen him play a number of times and the level of competition at Chelsea at U21s level is exceptionally high, so it’s a chance for him to come out and experience a different pathway in the game.”

Meanwhile, the U’s under-21s development squad thumped Barnet 6-1 last night, thanks to a hat-trick from Drey Wright, a brace from John-Joe O’Toole and one from Macauley Bonne.