FORMER Colchester United youngster George Keys believes being released by the U's could prove a "blessing in disguise".

The defender signed for Brightlingsea Regent last week and scored in Saturday's pre-season friendly defeat against an Ipswich Town XI.

Now, after a successful loan spell with the R's last season, he is looking forward to another season of Bostik League football.

He hopes it catapults him back into the professional ranks and helps him re-climb the football ladder.

“I’d like to think this move can help get me back where I want to be," he told the Gazette.

“We’ve seen in the past how players from this level have moved to pro clubs.

“I certainly don’t see it as the end in terms of my career and it could prove a good thing. A blessing in disguise.

“If I’d stayed at Colchester, I probably would have been sent out on loan to Maldon (and Tiptree).

“That would have meant playing in the division below this one.

“I’m really excited about the new season and can’t wait for the first game.

“I’ve just got to do my best, keep working hard, be consistent and see where it takes me.

“If nothing comes of it, at least I’ve given it my best."

Keys impressed at Brightlingsea after signing on loan - a work experience arrangement - in January.

And after the U's made the decision to release him at the end of the season, he had little hesitation in completing a permanent switch to the Taydal Stadium.

“I had an offer from a higher-placed club but at this point in my career I just want to be playing," he said.

“There’s no point going somewhere and sitting on the bench.

“I’m not saying I’m going to walk into the team here because I know it doesn’t work like that.

“I have to fight for the shirt but I feel I have a decent chance and that’s really important right now.

“I need to get games under my belt and this is a really good level for me.

“I hope to build on what I produced last season.

“I felt I improved as it went on, having been a bit nervous when I first arrived.

“It was new, different and a bit strange, having spent the previous five or six years at Colchester.

“But I love non-league football and like the physical challenge.

“I also really enjoy playing for Brightlingsea.

"It’s a great club. Everyone’s so friendly and that’s one of the main reasons I wanted to sign."

Keys put Brightlingsea ahead in the seventh minute of Saturday's friendly against a young Ipswich side.

However, the Blues levelled before the break and then scored twice more early in the second half.

“It was a good game to play in and nice to get some minutes," added Keys.

“In the first half I thought we played really well and created lots of chances, without being able to put them away.

“The second half wasn’t so good, though.

"Ipswich definitely stepped up and were the better side.

"There were lots of positives, though, and I was pleased to score.

“It took a bit of a deflection but I’m claiming it.

"It was good to score against my old team and some of the players I use to play with, as I was at Ipswich before I went to Colchester."