League One outfit Colchester United have handed deals to defensive duo Morten Knudsen and Tom Bender.
Full back Knudsen and teenager Bender get deals
Defensive duo Morten Knudsen and Tom Bender have earned deals with League One outfit Colchester United.
Knudsen has signed on a free transfer following an extended trial with the club, while teenager Bender has been handed a first professional contract after coming through the Us' youth system.
Us boss Aidy Boothroyd said Knudsen, who can play in either full-back position, was too good an opportunity to turn down.
He told the club's
official website: "He has been brought to my attention and I like what I've seen of him in training.
Mould
"He can play in both full-back positions and is a player who I believe we can mould into another really good player for the club.
"I know I have previously said that it is important that we don't have too many players at the club, but sometimes you have to grab opportunities when you can.
"Morten is a really good prospect, who I hope can break into the team during the rest of this season."
The defender becomes the first Norwegian to sign for the club and his move will be completed subject to international clearance.
He has previously represented sides in the second and third tiers of Norwegian football and will provide competition for places for first team regulars Marc Tierney and John White.
Bender delight
Meanwhile, Boothroyd is also delighted that young defender Bender has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The 16-year-old, who has signed a two-and-a-half deal, made his debut as a late substitute against Hartlepool in Boothroyd's first home game in charge last September.
The Us boss added: "One of the things a club like ours has to rely on is its youth policy.
"Tom is yet another player to come off our production line. We were keen to tie him up, because he's a player who has already been training regularly with the first team and is a really bright prospect."
