O'Toole scored nine times for Watford in 2008/09

Colchester United have signed Watford midfielder John-Joe O'Toole on loan until the start of January.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international played under new U's boss Aidy Boothroyd at Vicarage Road.

O'Toole, 20, signed the deal before the transfer deadline and should make his debut at Southampton this weekend.

"He scored a lot of goals and did very well for me and I just thought it was the right time to perhaps bring him," Boothroyd told BBC Essex.

"It's a short-term signing, but it's something I think will help us galvanise very quickly, because there's a lot of games to be played in the Football League," he added.

"I'm looking forward to working with him again - I know what he brings, I know what he can do and I know what he's not so good at, so I will be getting the best out of him."

O'Toole told the U's website: "It gives me a chance to get playing again and get back out on the pitch."

"I know him [Boothroyd] well and I know what he expects from me so I am looking forward to the challenge."

O'Toole has yet to feature for Watford in the Championship this season and was loaned to Sheffield United at the end of the 2008/09 campaign.

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