Porter pens new Colchester deal as he edges closer to fitness

Striker Chris Porter has penned a new deal at Colchester, the Essex club have confirmed.

The U's captain, 31, has signed a contract extension to keep him at the Community Stadium until the end of the 2016-17 campaign.

Porter's current deal was due to expire at the end of the season but he has now committed his future to Tony Humes' side.

The forward, who has scored seven times in 22 appearances since arriving from Sheffield United in January, told Colchester's official website: "I am delighted to have committed my future to the club.

"I have settled in quickly and I have enjoyed the role of captain so far this season. I am looking forward to a more successful season this time around."

Boss Humes said: "I'm pleased that Chris has extended his contract. He's a good experienced pro, a good leader who takes responsibility and he has been a great help with the young players.

"He's been great as captain already, shown his leadership skills, shown responsibility and with the more experienced players around him now, they'll do things in the right way to make sure we've got a strong dressing room."

Meanwhile, the club also confirmed that striker Macauley Bonne will not be joining up with Zimbabwe's national team next week. He would have missed two Colchester fixtures and the player has chosen to remain with the team at his own discretion.