LUKE Gambin has left Colchester United and joined their League Two rivals Newport County on loan.

The Malta international will be at Rodney Parade for the remainder of the season, after securing a move to the Exiles.

Colchester head coach Steve Ball told the U's website: "I have been in regular conversation with Gambs and it's understandable that he has been frustrated with his lack of game time recently.

"I've said publicly that we would always look at potential loans for players that aren't in the squad, and this is one that suits every party.

"Hopefully, he gets that game time at Newport and we wish him all the best there."

Gambin signed for Colchester in the summer of 2019, on a two-year deal.

The 27-year-old linked up with the U's when he was released by Luton Town after his contract expired at Kenilworth Road.

Gambin has made 50 appearances during his time at the JobServe Community Stadium, scoring twice.

But the attacker has found game time difficult to find over recent weeks and has managed only 15 league starts for the U's, during the last two seasons.

Gambin is in line to make his debut for Newport in their clash with Oldham Athletic, on Saturday.

He started at AFC Wimbledon before moving to Barnet in 2009, as a trainee.

Gambin helped the Bees to promotion in the National League in 2014/15, as they returned to the EFL.

He made 132 appearances for the Bees before leaving them to join Luton in 2017 and helped the Hatters make the play-offs, before joining Colchester.

In total has made more than 200 appearances during his career, to date.