COLCHESTER United midfielder Alfie Bendle has signed for National League South side St Albans City on loan until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old, who has made one appearance for the U's first team since joining them last summer on a one-year deal from Forest Green Rovers, will aim to impress with the Saints in the final few months of the campaign.

Bendle was released by Forest Green Rovers, at the end of last season.

He had been with the Gloucestershire club for 12 months, making a total of nine appearances, before spending time on loan at National League South side Eastbourne Borough in the final weeks of last season.

Bendle spent the early part of his career at Brighton and Hove Albion's academy, before signing a professional contract at AFC Wimbledon on his 17th birthday.

He made his EFL debut for the Dons on the final day of the 2021/22 season, and went on to make 17 league and cup appearances for the South-West London club.

Bendle, who made his Colchester debut as a substitute in their EFL Trophy win over MK Dons last September, spent time on loan at St Albans' league rivals Chelmsford City, in the first half of this season.

Bendle is in line to make his St Albans City debut tomorrow when they face Weston-super-Mare, in National League South.