ROSS Johnson has spoken about the heartbreak of having to leave his beloved Albion to rebuild his career.

The Brighton-born defender made his debut for Colchester in a reserve match against Leyton Orient at Layer Road yesterday after joining the Second Division club on a month's loan.

Johnson's first team appearances with the Seagulls have been limited to nine league and three cup games this season.

So, reluctantly, he agreed to seek pastures new when Colchester were granted permission to speak to him.

He said: 'I lost my place before Christmas and just couldn't get it back. I was told I'm not in the manager's plans. I was devastated because I'm a local lad.

"It was a dream come true to play for my home town club, but now I'm hoping to sign permanently for Colchester."

The 24-year-old joined the Seagulls as a trainee after being spotted playing for Brighton youth club Hollingbury Hawks, who also produced Seagulls striker Darren Freeman.

He was just nine then and has been associated with the Seagulls ever since. Johnson was made captain of the youth team before signing professional six years ago.

He told The Argus at the time: "I want to go as far as I can in the game. and I'd love to make it here at Albion

He made 123 league appearances before this season for the Seagulls. But now his focus is on Colchester.

He said: "I want to do as well as I can so I can sign full-time for Colchester. It also gives me the opportunity of playing up a division."

Johnson made his debut yesterday along with former Chelsea player David Lee, who is on a month's trial at Layer Road.

And the centre-back hopes to be involved when Colchester travel to Notts County in the league on Saturday.

The Layer Road outfit are looking to Johnson to plug the gaps in a defence that has already leaked 51 goals this season.

Colchester boss Steve Whitton is ready to sign Johnson, whose Albion contract expires at the end of the season, on a permanent basis if things work out.

He said: "If he does well for us it could lead to something more permanent."

Former Albion boss Jeff Wood, who is a coach at Colchester, believes a move away from home could be just what Johnson needs.

He said: "Roscoe is a local lad and very well liked around Brighton but it's not always the right thing to do to stay local. A move away might be just what he needs to make him more independent.

"You have to make these decisions to further your career in professional football. Look what happened to Jeff Minton going to Port Vale with Brian Horton."

Wood revealed that he was consulted by Whitton about Johnson and was quick to give him the thumbs up.

"Although I haven't seen him this season, I've always rated Roscoe. I even recommended him for Wales when I was manager at Albion because he had a Welsh relative. I always felt, like Brian Horton and Steve Gritt did, that he was one for the future but sometimes circumstances change.

"Different managers have their own ideas on how to play and who to play and that is their right. Micky has come in and has a system that's tried and tested. It got Fulham out of the Third Division."

Wood believes Colchester's style will suit Johnson. He said: "They pass it at Colchester and the team have a few ball players. Roscoe will like the pattern of play."

Wood feels Johnson can help solve struggling Colchester's central defensive problems.

He said: "Steve has had to play players out of position at centre-back. It has been a real problem position. But I believe they can stay up. Everyone battles for each other."

Johnson will be among familiar faces as former Albion players Jamie Moralee and Andy Arnott are already there.

Wood, who also coaches at Barnet and Ryman Leaguers Chesham, said: "What with me there too, Colchester have got a few Albion connections. I've got another at Chesham where Stuart Storer plays."

Wood says he always looks out for Albion's results. He said: "I wish Micky and everyone there well. I wouldn't like to get back into manage pment. I'm happiest coaching."

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