Former Colchester United manager Geraint Williams believes hot prospect Tommy O’Sullivan could be the perfect fit for his old club.

O’Sullivan is close to signing for the U’s and Williams knows the Cardiff City youngster well, having coached him at under-19 and under-21 level during his spell in charge of Wales’ younger age groups.

Williams, who left his long-term role at the helm of Wales’ under-21 and intermediate age group teams last month, stressed that he did not want to advise Colchester on which players they should sign.

But the ex-U’s boss says he feels the time is now right for young midfielder O’Sullivan to showcase his talents at first-team level in the EFL, with his first-team opportunities few and far between at Cardiff.

Williams told the Daily Gazette: “Tommy’s a fantastic lad.

“He’s someone who’s still playing under-21 football.

“I think he needs to push on now and get an opportunity at first-team level.

“If you’re playing three in midfield, I think he’s perfect for the number ten role in the modern-day game because he’s clever enough to get into the right areas.

“He loves getting forward and getting into the box, creating chances and scoring goals.

“He’s a fantastic young man with a great work ethic.

“Lots of young players have been at clubs where they haven’t had the opportunities.

“Some of them end up playing under-21 football for three or four years where there’s no real incentive or challenge, so how will they deal with things when they are not up against the same players?

“You only find that out when they get into the first team.

“But I wouldn’t like to tell anyone at Colchester their job and they’ll look at him and make a decision.”

O’Sullivan has been training with the U’s first team of late and featured for their under-23 side in their 3-2 win at neighbours Ipswich Town last week, scoring their opener.

The 21-year-old, who is out of contract at Cardiff at the end of the season, is highly regarded by Colchester head coach John McGreal who is keen to bolster his squad in this month’s transfer window.