Marc Tierney is hoping to sort out his future sooner rather than later.

The popular Colchester United left-back is out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to sign a new deal.

The U's have confirmed there has been interest in the former Shrewsbury Town and Oldham Athletic defender, with npower Championship clubs Coventry City and Norwich City both linked.

And Tierney - who has missed the U's last four games because of injury and illness - admitted he would prefer the situation to be resolved as quickly as possible.

Writing in his weekly column in the Gazette, Tierney said: "The earlier it’s all sorted out, the better, because it puts to bed any rumours that have been flying around.

"I’m out of contract at the end of the season and it would be better for everyone if it’s sorted out swiftly.

"But as a player, you can’t let yourself get distracted by speculation.

"You just want to carry on playing and that’s why it makes it all the more disappointing when you’re not out on the pitch."

See Thursday's paper for the latest of Marc Tierney's exclusive columns with the Gazette, along with the rest of the latest Colchester United news.