Eli Phipps says joining Colchester United represents a big opportunity for him.

The 19-year-old striker has quit Championship club Cardiff City, where he has been since he was six years old, to move to the U’s on an 18-month deal.

Phipps will initially be part of Colchester’s under-23 squad, where he will push to break into John McGreal’s first-team set-up.

The teenager has so far played the bulk of his football at development level, aside from a loan spell at Conference North outfit Gloucester City earlier this season.

Now he wants to make the step up and make a name for himself, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Phipps said: “It’s hard to get an opportunity at Cardiff and coming here is hopefully better for me than staying put.

“I’d been at Cardiff since I was six; I went on loan to Gloucester but it wasn’t a very good loan and I didn’t play much so hopefully I can come here and help the team.

“It’s a big opportunity for me and I haven’t played first-team football much, so hopefully I can do well here and contribute to the team and score goals.

“For me, it’s the under-23s as I’m only 19 but with a view to pushing into the first team as well hopefully.”

Phipps is looking forward to the challenge of being away from his familiar surroundings but could have at least one familiar face to help him along the way.

The young forward has grown up at Cardiff with Tommy O’Sullivan, who also looks set to sign for Colchester.

The pair are good friends, on and off the pitch.

He said: “It helps, with it being my first time moving away from home!

“I’ve known Tommy all my life and he lives five minutes down the road!”

Phipps, who has been training with Colchester’s first-team squad this week, will have to be patient before he gets his first opportunity to play for their under-23 side.

He is cup-tied for the U’s U23 Premier League Cup game against Hull City on Monday night and their Central League Cup clash with Southend United, on Tuesday.

He added: “I think our Bristol City away (on January 30) is the first time I’m eligible to play so I’ll just have to try and impress as much as possible in training.”