Colchester United have bolstered their defensive options with the loan signing of Rotherham United right-back Richard Brindley this afternoon.

The 21-year-old, who started his career at Norwich City, has joined the U's until the end of the season.

Brindley has had limited first-team opportunities at Rotherham this season.

He has already had loan spells at Scunthorpe United and Oxford United during the current campaign and previously played for Chelmsford City under Glenn Pennyfather, prior to joining Chesterfield in 2013.

Brindley has been signed as a replacement for Elliott Hewitt, who has been recalled from his loan spell at Colchester by parent club Ipswich Town.

U's boss Tony Humes said: “Richard's an attacking full-back and he’s got to come in and fit into our style of play.

“We’re happy with bringing him in and he has experience, even though he’s only 21 years old."

For much more on Brindley's loan signing and all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.