Colchester United have announced the signing of former Watford striker Michael Folivi on a deal until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old joins the U’s having left Watford as a free agent in June and becomes the latest attacking option for head coach Steve Ball with the club currently sat 13th in League Two.

  • Who is he?

Before leaving the Hornets, Folivi had been with the club since the age of 10, progressing through the academy ranks to make his Premier League debut against Stoke City in 2016/17.

Spells at both Coventry City and National League side Boreham Wood followed before two further seasons at AFC Wimbledon until January this year where he scored twice in 20 appearances in League One.

The forward was subsequently released at the end of last season and now links up with former Watford Under 23s boss Hayden Mullins at the JobServe Community Stadium who is currently the U’s assistant head coach.

  • A 'different dynamic up top'

Colchester head coach Ball was delighted to get the signing of his new forward over the line and believes having a player like Folivi in the squad will give his side something different in the final third.

He told the Essex Daily Gazette:

"It's a great signing for the club.

"He's got great ability on the ball; he plays as a nine and just in behind as well and he gives us a different dynamic up top, which is really exciting.

"In the climate that we've had with Covid, we've had a few out of contract lads who have come in and it's a really difficult time for players.

"Luckily, we've managed to get Mike in and have a really good look at him, which is really good because sometimes players come in from the cold a little bit.

"But he's a great lad who's been with us for a few weeks now and will definitely add to the group."

Colchester face Stevenage at the JobServe Community Stadium tomorrow (7pm).