COLCHESTER United have signed young Aston Villa striker Sam Williams on a three-month loan.

Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United have signed young Aston Villa striker Sam Williams on a three-month loan.

Williams, 21, put pen to paper on his temporary move to the Community Stadium this morning, and he is eligible to make his debut at Bournemouth in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy tomorrow evening.

Manager Paul Lambert said: “I think we needed an extra body up front, what with Steve Gillespie latest injury.”

Williams has had previous experience on loan at Wrexham and Brighton.