Derbyshire shunned U's

Matt Derbyshire rejected an offer from Colchester to join Plymouth on loan.

The Blackburn Rovers teenager has been packed off to Home Park to accrue experience, having made his debut at the end of last season.

Rovers boss Mark Hughes is keen for his younger players to learn their trade out on loan and Derbyshire is happy with his chance.

Colchester were keen to take the 19-year-old to Layer Road but Derbyshire preferred to accept a move to The Championship with Plymouth.

"Mark Hughes rang me up and said Colchester and Plymouth had come in for me and straight away I said Plymouth," Derbyshire told the Evening Herald.

"They are a very big club. It's a long way down but I have heard it's a family club."

Derbyshire is confident that his time with The Pilgrims will prove beneficial ahead of his attempts to force his way into the Blackburn side next season.

He added: "From what I have seen this morning they have got a very good set of players, a good manager and a good backroom staff.

"I think they can do well.

"I'm just here as a footballer to try to improve myself and it's a great opportunity for myself because I'm only young. I hope I do well."