Ex-Canary Ian Henderson, who hails from Thetford, saw red in his debut for Colchester United in the grudge match after coming on as a substitute in the 70th minute.

Ex-Canary Ian Henderson, who hails from Thetford, saw red in his debut for Colchester United in the grudge match after coming on as a substitute in the 70th minute.

Henderson was desperate to repay Colchester chief Aidy Boothroyd by shooting down Norwich in Saturday's League One tussle but ended up getting sent off for an over-the-top challenge on Darel Russell ten minutes later.

The 24-year-old has had a nomadic existence since leaving Carrow Road which previously included spells at Northampton and Luton and Turkey.

He was a team-mate of ex-England striker Darius Vassell at top-flight outfit Ankaragucu before falling out of favour with the new president.

“I don't regret going to Northampton, Luton or Turkey,” he said before the derby game. “I feel like I've developed as a footballer, but most of all a person. I feel like I can deal with a lot more psychologically now. Now I'm just really excited about joining Colchester because you only need to look at the manager they've recruited and where they are in the league to see where they are going.

“I really enjoyed my time there [in Turkey]. I still speak to a couple of the people there and I look out for their results. I came back to England because there was a takeover and when the new president took over, I didn't meet the criteria he wanted.

“I don't look at it as a disappointment - it's a learning curve and I've learnt how different cultures and different societies accept you. I'm able to deal with setbacks and being alone in a foreign place and because of that, I feel stronger mentally.”

Henderson believes Boothroyd is the man to re-ignite a career which started promisingly when he made his debut as a teenager in City's 2002/03 Championship campaign. “I'm really happy to be working with the manager again, along with his staff and the rest of the players,” he said.

“The fact that he's the manager played a big part in my decision. He invited me to come and train after I left Turkey.

“I've known him for a long time and the way he was and the input he gave me when I was at Norwich was an important factor.

“He has an understanding of how I work as a person and he looks at things from a psychological aspect. I gave him a ring and just asked if I could come and train with Colchester. I knew I had to wait until January before I could sign for anybody and I wanted to keep myself fit for those six or seven weeks. He invited me down and I must have impressed because he has ended up offering me a contract.

“I always had a lot of self-confidence and belief in myself that I would find myself another club quickly enough.”

Henderson had said before the derby game that there would be no mixed feelings about playing against his former club.

“Yes, I was there from eight years old until I was 22 and that's a long part of my life. Norwich is where I learned how to play and I've said publically before how much gratitude I've got for the role they've played in my career.

“However, I'm starting a new chapter of my life now and that's at Colchester.”