By Chris Bevan

Halford has made 108 appearances for Colchester

Colchester midfielder Greg Halford says he has learned to live with speculation linking him with Premiership clubs.

U's boss Phil Parkinson felt the attention affected the 21-year-old's form earlier this season.

Halford told BBC Sport: "As much as I hate to admit it, in the summer it did have an effect on my performances.

"But I have learned to put it all at the back of my head now. The scouts are not at every game so I can't think whether they are watching."

He added: "I just take each game as it comes now - I think I have got to really."

Manchester United, Tottenham, Newcastle, Charlton, West Ham and Wigan are among the sides keeping tabs on the versatile former England Under-20 international.

Halford, who helped England finish third in the Toulon tournament over the summer, feels he is still developing as a player.

And he says that finding a settled role with the U's on the right-hand side of midfield has helped.

"I have improved - I'm more consistent - and it helps with me playing in one position every week," he added.

"It has been good this season so far after getting off to a slow start.

"Last year I was swapping positions week in week out so I wasn't really learning the game too much.

"But it helped going away in the summer with England. I learned so much out there.

"And yes, as a player I have grown - I've got 100 games under my belt now - I've got a bit of experience behind me which is nice."