Nicky Shorey says he has a renewed hunger for the game after signing for Colchester United.

The 34-year-old left-back has joined the U’s until the end of the season, having been a free agent following a stint playing in the Indian Super League.

Shorey says he is feeling refreshed after playing for Pune City under David Platt, this season.

The former England international says he is looking forward to playing in English football again for the U’s – and helping Kevin Keen’s side move clear of relegation danger.

Shorey told the Daily Gazette: “Playing in India was a bit of an eye-opener – it’s something I’ve not had before and I’m glad that I had the opportunity to do it.

“It’s made me hungry again and now I want to come back and help Colchester.

“I trained with Colchester pre-season before I went to play out in India.

“The move to India was already done and dusted at that stage but I know the surroundings.

“I’ve come in and trained with Colchester for the last week and it went well.

“I’ve really enjoyed the sessions that the manager has put on and how he got his point across.

“The quality that the group has got has impressed me, not that I thought it wouldn’t.

“I’ve watched Colchester’s last two games and the performances that I’ve seen bode well for the future.

“The second half against Sheffield United last weekend was very good and we could have easily have beaten Fleetwood.”

Shorey, who is set to make his Colchester debut at Scunthorpe United on Saturday, is confident he can help them pull away from relegation danger.

“We’re in a sticky position but if we can turn those performances into results which I’m sure we can, we can move up the table,” added the experienced defender, who made nearly 300 appearances for Reading and has also played for the likes of Aston Villa, West Brom and Portsmouth.

“I’ve certainly not seen a shortage in confidence around the training ground.

“They go about their business in the right way and because of that, results will come.

“We have to keep doing what we think is right.

“The league position doesn’t worry me - I’ve been in football long enough now and you have to take it game by game and the twists and turns that come.

“I try and not look at the table until the last game of the season.”