ANTHONY Wordsworth has become the latest Colchester United player to sign a new and extended contract.

Carl Marston

ANTHONY Wordsworth has become the latest Colchester United player to sign a new and extended contract.

Teenager Wordsworth has enjoyed a good start to the season, and has started all three matches to date on the left flank, even though he is more at home in central midfield.

A product of the U's youth system, Camden-born Wordsworth made his senior debut a year ago, when appearing as a substitute in the Carling Cup defeat at Shrewsbury Town.

But after that Cup appearance, which came on the back of three goals in pre-season, it was another seven months before the 19-year-old made his League debut as a late substitute in the 1-1 home draw against Cardiff. He was handed his first senior start just three days later in the home defeat by Hull.

Just like last year, Wordsworth impressed during the recent pre-season and was the joint leading scorer with club record signing Steven Gillespie.

He was vying for the left wing role with fellow teenager Medy Elito, following Kevin McLeod's departure to Brighton, and was given the nod in the opening day defeat at Hartlepool. He retained his place for the subsequent games against Gillingham (1-0 win in the Carling Cup) and Huddersfield (0-0 draw at home).

Wordsworth follows in the footsteps of team-mates Clive Platt and John White, who have both signed new and extended contracts this month.