FORMER Colchester United hero Sammie Szmodics has joined Peterborough United on loan from Bristol City.

The 24-year-old has signed for the rest of the season and goes straight into the squad for Saturday’s League One trip to AFC Wimbledon.

Attacking midfielder Szmodics moved to Ashton Gate last summer from Colchester, where he progressed through the U's Academy.

Posh boss Darren Ferguson was delighted to get the deal over the line.

“Sammie's a very good player," he told his club's website.

"He can play anywhere in the middle of the park, in the attacking areas, but is predominantly one that will play centrally.

"I'm really looking forward to working with him.

"He's one I've liked for a long time and I'm absolutely delighted to get him into the building.

"He's a talented boy."

Szmodics made 162 appearances for Colchester in all competitions, scoring 40 goals.

After being tracked by a host of Championship clubs, he agreed a deal with Lee Johnson’s Bristol City in June.

He penned a three-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months.

However, he has only made four appearances for the Robins.

Szmodics will wear the number 13 shirt and has become Peterborough's third signing of the January transfer window, following in the footsteps of Jack Taylor and Reece Brown.