Lloyd James has become Leyton Orient's fourth signing of the week

Ex-Colchester midfielder completes a quartet of new players this week

Former Wales under-21 interenational Lloyd James signed a two-year contract at Orient today as he became the club’s fourth signing of the week.

The ex-Colchester and Southampton man, who had been training with Russell Slade’s side for the last couple of weeks, was set to make his debut in tonight’s friendly at Sutton.

O’s boss Russell Slade was keen to bring in another midfield player after Matt Spring’s switch to Wycombe and after running the rule over the 24-year-old the O’s boss made James his eighth signing of the summer as he continues to rebuild the side that finished just one place above the League One drop zone last season.

James makes the short trip down the A12 after spending the last two seasons at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, where he played 51 League games for John Ward’s side.

He also spent a brief loan spell with League Two promotion winners Crawley last term.

James, who can also operate at right-back, was delighted to sign on the dotted line after impressing during his trial spell.

“I’ve been in since the start of pre-season and I’ve enjoyed my time here, so I’m delighted to get it all sorted,” he said.

“I can play midfield, right-back – wherever the manager asks me to play, I’m happy there.”

Born in Bristol, James came through the youth ranks at Southampton and he made 71 appearances in the league for the Saints, scoring two goals, before his release in 2010, when he moved to Colchester.

He has made 10 appearances for the Wales under-21 team and was also capped at under-17 and under-19 level.