Craig Slater: Colchester United sign Kilmarnock midfielder

Craig Slater played alongside new Colchester forward Denny Johnstone in Scotland age group teams

Colchester United have signed Kilmarnock midfielder Craig Slater on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Slater, 22, was out of contract with the Scottish Premier League side and rejected a new deal, moving to League Two despite interest from Aberdeen.

The Scotland Under-21 international joined Killie in 2012, scoring nine goals in 85 matches across four years.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old striker Femi Akinwande has penned a new one-year contract with the U's.

Slater told told BBC Essex: "I could have stayed up in Scotland but I thought it was time for a change.

"Speaking to boys that have played down here they told me how good it was, so it was definitely something I wanted to be a part of.

"Moving down from Glasgow, it's my first time staying away from home. It's all new but at the end of the day it's got to be done.

"I've never been to London, so I'm actually looking forward to taking a trip and doing all the touristy things."

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