Former Leyton Orient defender Matt Joseph is backing his old team-mate Matt Lockwood to be a massive success should he join Colchester.The Us have agreed a fee with Nottingham Forest for Lockwood, who endured a frustrating season at the City Ground.

Joseph played alongside Lockwood at Brisbane Road for six years and believes he would be an excellent signing for Colchester as they prepare for life back in League One.

"Having played with Matt, I know if Colchester sign him they will get a very good experienced, left-sided player. He has a trusty left foot and he's a better defender than perhaps people give him credit for," Joseph told the Colchester Gazette.

"He organises very well but he doesn't shout and scream - he leads by example. You don't play for that amount of time at Leyton Orient and then Nottingham Forest if you're not a good player.

"He is a very consistent performer and you will always get at least seven out of 10 from him. The fans liked him at Leyton Orient and he's the kind of player who is missed when he is not in the team."

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