Former Norwich City forward Ian Henderson has spoken of starting “a new chapter in my life” - and it could begin with a crunch game against his former club.

Former Norwich City forward Ian Henderson has spoken of starting “a new chapter in my life” - and it could begin with a crunch game against his former club.

The 24-year-old has joined Colchester United and could make his debut for the Essex club in Saturday's League One promotion clash with the Canaries at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Henderson, who left City in 2007 after making 79 senior appearances, scoring six goals, joined the U's after leaving Turkish Super Lig side Ankaragucu by mutual consent.

A phonecall to Colchester boss Adrian Boothroyd, his former youth team coach at Colney, triggered his latest career move.

“I gave him a ring and just asked if I could come and train with Colchester,” Henderson told Green 'Un 24.

“I knew I had to wait until January before I could sign for anybody and I wanted to keep myself fit for those six or seven weeks.

“He invited me down and I must have impressed because he has ended up offering me a contract.

“I always had a lot of self-confidence and belief in myself that I would find myself another club quickly enough.”

But though former England Under-20 international Henderson is temporarily living back in Norwich with friends, he says there will be no room for sentiment if he features against his boyhood club.

“There will be no mixed feelings,” he said. “Yes, I was there from eight years old until I was 22 and that's a long part of my life. Norwich is where I learned how to play and I've said publicly before how much gratitude I've got for the role they've played in my career.

“However, I'm starting a new chapter of my life now and that's at Colchester.”

Henderson, who has also played for Rotherham, Northampton and Luton, has been described by the Colchester boss has as “versatile”, “tenacious” and “horrible to play against”.

“I wouldn't disagree with the manager's description of me,” he said. “In Turkey I played right-back, in every midfield diamond role and also up front. I don't care where I'm picked to play, I just give 100 per cent.

“I work hard on the pitch, but I wouldn't categorise myself as purely that sort of player. I back myself technically as well.”