Virgo – A Shooting Star

Just before identifying great team spirit as the greatest asset at Colchester United, Celtic loanee Adam Virgo made it plain that his audit for the U’s will involve striking fear into the hearts of defences, not playing in one.

Before the U’s last Championship game, he went on record as saying:: “The manager, Geriant Williams, has made it clear that playing up front is what I am here for – I’ve done it for Brighton and Celtic; it’s a position I’m more than convertible in.”

Virgo, 24, can play at the back but has been brought to Essex to add weight to the Colchester forward line. The former Brighton man has proved that he has the credentials to succeed in that role following a headed goal against Burnley during the last round of games.

“I want to progress and get a few more goals,” he said in Monday’s Evening Gazette. The utility man, who began plying his trade as a central defender, has seen his progression hampered by a series of injuries in recent times.

“I’ve played in a few different positions and need to find somewhere I’m settled,” he added. In the shape of Colchester, where Adam has joined on a six-month loan in order to recapture the form that first encouraged Glasgow Celtic to invest in his services in 2005, he may just get that much-needed stability.

In U’s review, Colchester United’s matchday magazine, he said prior to the Burnley game that he already identifies with life in Britain’s oldest town. “I think Colchester are in a similar position to Brighton in the determination to exceed expectation and spirit in the camp,” said Virgo.

Post last weekend’s loss against the Clarets, Virgo echoed his gratitude at being able to link up with his former Brighton and Hove Albion manager Micky Adams, now assistant at Colchester. “I’m very grateful for the chance and now hope I can get my confidence back.”