Colchester sign Franck Queudrue on loan from Birmingham

Queudrue has only played seven games for Birmingham City this season

Colchester United have signed experienced French defender Franck Queudrue from Birmingham City.

The former Lens, Middlesbrough, Fulham and France B international, 31, joins the U's until the end of the season.

"He'll improve us a lot and it's a coup for the club," said Colchester boss Aidy Boothroyd.

"I had offers from other clubs but they were mid-table and I wanted to have something to play for so this is perfect," Queudrue told BBC Essex.

Paris-born Queudrue has spent almost a decade in English football since being signed by Steve McClaren for Middlesbrough from Lens, initially on loan in October 2001.

After almost five seasons with Boro, he moved on to sign for Chris Coleman's Fulham in July 2006, spending just a season there before being signed for Blues by Steve Bruce in August 2007.

He fell out of favour in his first season at St Andrew's after Bruce's departure before bouncing back last season to play a big part in helping Blues back to the top flight in May under Alex McLeish.

But he has had just six Premier League starts this time round.