Coyne joined the U's from Luton in January 2008

Chris Coyne has cited the need for first-team football as the reason for ending his time at Colchester United.

The Australian defender has signed for Perth Glory after terminating his U's contract by mutual consent.

Coyne, 30, told BBC Essex his ambition of playing in the World Cup next summer was the key factor in his decision.

"It was best for me to ensure, with a big 12 months ahead, that I was playing week-in week-out so that my national manager could see me playing," he said.

"I needed to be playing [regularly] and I couldn't get that, I wasn't getting that feeling from the manager and he'd already made a few attempts at bringing centre-halves in during the previous season.

"Although your country doesn't pay your bills, one of the biggest achievements you can get is playing for your country," added the Queenslander.

Despite his exit from after 18 months and 33 league appearances, Coyne insisted he and U's manager Paul Lambert had parted amicably.

"He's an honest man and he told me exactly how he saw it and let me have my say and we left the conversation on good terms, shaking hands and wishing each other all the best," he explained.

"So there was no ill-feeling, no bad words - we're both professionals and knew what was best for both of us to go forward."

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