FORMER Leicester City youngster Sammie McLeod says he is ‘excited for a new challenge’ after signing for Colchester United on a two-year deal.

The 19-year-old midfielder has joined the U’s, after impressing at their alliance club Maldon and Tiptree in Bostik League division north, this season.

McLeod is on the comeback from a serious leg injury suffered in March.

But the talented teenager, who scored nine goals for the Jammers before his injury, says he is determined to come back stronger.

McLeod told the U’s website: “I'm really pleased to sign for a club like this and I can't wait to get going.

“The injury wasn't great for me and it's been a mental challenge as much as a physical one in working towards getting fit again, but the season was a good one for me until that point.

"It was a good experience in the two years at Leicester and I am also glad that I experienced being at Maldon.

"It's a different type of football and I feel like I have learned a lot from being there, and it has made me into more of a versatile player.

"I'm getting stronger and more flexible as my rehab continues and I am confident I will come back stronger.

"The target is to get into the first team and progress from there."

McLeod added to that by tweeting: ‘Delighted to sign a 2 year deal with the club. Excited for a new challenge’.

McLeod started his career with Maidstone United before moving to Leicester City and linking up with the Premier League side’s under-23s in January, 2017.

Although he did not make a senior appearance during his time with the Foxes, he nevertheless rubbed shoulders with the likes of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez in training with the first-team squad.

He is the latest player to join Colchester from Maldon, following in the footsteps of Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe, Ryan Gondoh, Femi Akinwande and Ben Wyatt.

The U’s have a link-up with Maldon, who are managed by former Colchester promotion hero Wayne Brown.

Colchester will travel to play Bostik Premier newcomers Bowers and Pitsea in their opening pre-season friendly of the summer.

John McGreal’s side will visit the Len Salmon Stadium on Friday, July 5 – kick-off 7.30pm.