Pentney has been on the bench since arriving at Colchester

Goalkeeper Carl Pentney has agreed a one-year deal with Colchester United, after starting the season on non-contract terms.

The 20-year-old has been acting as cover for Ben Williams, who missed most of pre-season through injury.

Boss John Ward told BBC Essex: "Carl's impressed me in terms of the goalkeeping position.

"Because of the situation we've had, the chairman has agreed to run with three goalkeepers."

With last season's first-choice stopper Williams sidelined Mark Cousins has stepped into the breach admirably as the U's remain undefeated in League One so far this term.

Williams came through a reserve match successfully this week meaning Pentney, who was released by Leicester in the summer, may gain experience elsewhere.

We're keeping him towards the end of the week and I'll talk to him today or tomorrow Colchester noss John Ward on Francis Laurent

"We'll have a look at a loan period for Carl," Ward continued.

"It just keeps that cover nice for us, I think he's a young man who becomes part of the youth policy we're trying to push on at the club."

Ward has also been casting an eye over former Southend winger Francis Laurent, who received a run-out in Wednesday's 3-0 reserve team defeat by Stevenage.

The 24-year-old Frenchman was released by the Shrimpers in the summer as part of the club's cost-cutting exercise, but has still yet to convince the Colchester boss of his potential.

"Francis found it a wee bit difficult, he hasn't played a lot of football and I think that was apparent," said Ward.

"It's a difficult one for me to judge at the moment.

"We're keeping him towards the end of the week and I'll talk to him today [Thursday] or tomorrow and just see what he thinks and what I think about it as well."

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