Frank Nouble says he is enjoying his football more than ever after getting off the mark for Colchester United.

The powerful forward bagged his first goal in U’s colours in their 3-0 triumph over Cambridge United.

Nouble joined Colchester this summer from League Two rivals Newport County, having also played for the likes of Ipswich Town, West Ham United and Coventry City during his career.

The 26-year-old has made an impressive start to life with Colchester and says he feels very settled at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Nouble said: “I’m enjoying my football – it’s probably the most I’ve enjoyed it.

“I enjoyed it last year (at Newport) as well don’t get me wrong and at Ipswich at the beginning stages with Mick (McCarthy).

“But I feel like I’m in a place where I’m more relaxed.

“I’ve experienced a lot and I’ve had loads of clubs, so I’m very settled.

“I feel like I’m a leader in this team and I’m embracing it.

“I think people understand what I bring to the team – I bring a lot of danger and attract a lot of attention so everyone else can be free.”

Nouble has been in fine form for Colchester in the opening weeks of the campaign, with goals the only thing missing from his game.

The former Chelsea youngster says even his family have been encouraging him to try his luck on goal.

“Now I’ve got one, I’m sure I’ll get loads more,” said Nouble, who signed a two-year contract when he joined the U’s in June.

“Every other week, it’s been we’ve won and I’ve not scored.

“I’m hearing it from my family more than anyone to shoot more.

“I thought that we all played well and I’m just happy to score the goals.

“As long as we keep doing that, I think defensively even if we’re getting out-played I trust our back four.

“My mate (David) Amoo plays for them out wide and he said they think we have another gear in us, so it’s good to hear.

“When I came in with Luke Norris and Harry Pell, they knew straight in pre-season that there’s a goal here."