Peter Backs Richard

Peter Grant is backing Richard Garcia to make a success of his time at Colchester - and says they have signed a player with a tip top attitude.

Richard completed a move to Colchester on Friday afternoon just four days after making his long-awaited come back following a cruciate injury.

Says Peter:

"I must admit I am disappointed for the boy in many respects because he has been injured when I have been here.

"But his attitude to coming back has been magnificent and I am delighted that he has got fixed up.

"Richard needs to play now and at this moment in time with the boys that are in front of him he would find it difficult.

"But I wouldn't be surprised if he has a move in future years to a higher club once he gets his full fitness and that is because he has a first class attitude; he deserves all the luck going after the two cruciates he has had."

As well as his substitute appearance at Coventry, he played in a behind closed doors friendly against Peterborough last week - scoring a hat trick in a 3-1 win.

"His attitude has got him back - he would come in and do extra on his days off and he has played a couple of games now, looking great, and we are chuffed to bits with him," says Peter.

"But the last thing he needs to be doing now is playing reserve team football or even sitting in the stands watching the first team.

"I am delighted he has got the opportunity to move to a club like Colchester who are doing very well in the second division and I am sure he will be a major asset.

"Lots of clubs were enquiring about him but Colchester had a little bit of money with them selling Andrews to Crystal Palace.

"If everyone had Richard's attitude the world would be a far better place, that's for sure."

Alan Pardew does have several striking options and the arrival of Moses Ashikodi from Millwall has added to the pool of strikers looking for regular reserve team games.

"The difference is Moses is only 17 years of age whereas Richard needs to be playing first team football and he knows that himself," adds Peter.

"He has been on the verge for a long time and he has made the right decision in that he thinks it is time to make a name for himself and I have no doubts that he will.

"I have coached in the second division and I am sure that given the right opportunities and service he will take it by storm."