Colchester United have signed David Prutton on a month's loan from Leeds United.The 28-year-old midfielder goes straight into manager Aidy Boothroyd's squad to face MK Dons this evening with the U's having the chance to close the gap on third-placed Charlton, who lost at home to Leyton Orient last night.

Colchester United have signed David Prutton on a month's loan from Leeds United.

The 28-year-old midfielder goes straight into manager Aidy Boothroyd's squad to face MK Dons this evening with the U's having the chance to close the gap on third-placed Charlton, who lost at home to Leyton Orient last night.

“I am pleased to be bringing in an experienced player, who has been at a much higher level in his career,” Boothroyd told the club's official website. “David will bolster our central midfield area for the games to come.”

Prutton started his career at Nottingham Forest before a �2.5m move to Southampton in 2003 where he enjoyed three seasons in the Premier League.

He moved to Leeds in 2007 but has decided to join Colchester's promotion effort for a month-long loan spell, which could be extended if all parties agree.