NEW signing Miles Welch-Hayes believes he can revive his career at "stepping stone" Colchester United.

The U's snapped up the full-back last month on a two-and-a-half year contract, after he left League Two rivals Macclesfield Town on January 31.

The 23-year-old can play at right-back, left-back or as the right-sided centre-back in a back three.

And while he knows he needs to top up his fitness levels, having not featured for the Silkmen's first team since January 11, he believes he has made a sound choice in joining the Essex side.

“It’s a good stepping stone for me and I’m grateful for the opportunity," said the former Oxford United youngster.

“I’ve been without a club for a few weeks now but I’ve been keeping fit and staying on top of things.

“I had to weigh up my options and pick the best one for me.

“I can play in a few positions but my main position is right-back or a right-sided centre-back, in a three.

“I’m an attacking full-back and that will suit me, given the way Colchester play."

U's boss John McGreal admitted Welch-Hayes had been on Colchester's radar for "a number of months".

The move was confirmed on February 21 and the full-back has signed a contract until the summer of 2022.

Welch-Hayes began his career at Oxford United but made only one senior appearance during his time at the Kassam Stadium.

The defender left the League One club in 2017 and joined non-league outfit Bath City on a permanent basis, making the National League South team of the season for 2017-18.

During a loan spell from Bath, Welch-Hayes played in the Oxford City side that knocked Colchester out of the FA Cup at the first-round stage in November, 2017.

He left Bath to join Macclesfield on a two-year deal in June, 2018 and made 47 league appearances for the Silkmen, before becoming one of three players to leave the troubled club on January 31.