Will Packwood: Colchester sign Birmingham defender on loan

Will Packwood has won caps for the United States at various youth levels.

Colchester United have signed American defender Will Packwood on loan from Birmingham until 1 January after Magnus Okuonghae ruptured an Achilles tendon in the 1-0 defeat by Coventry.

Club captain Okuonghae, 28, has made 11 appearances this season, scoring once, but also being sent off twice.

"It's a massive blow and I really feel for Magnus. He could miss the rest of the season," said manager Tony Humes.

"He's had a really stop-start season and now has this to contend with too."

Packwood has made 21 first-team appearances for Birmingham, but only one this season in a 3-1 win at Millwall in September.

The 21-year-old played eight games during a loan spell at Bristol Rovers last season.