Wingback Joe Keith handed Colchester United boss Steve Whitton a timely boost today (Tuesday) by finally agreeing a new contract.

And there could be another big bonus for the U's chief with the news that he is very close to sealing a new and improved deal with talented French teenager Thomas Pinault.

Both Keith and Pinault could be celebrating with a return to first team action in tonight's (Tuesday's) LDV Vans Trophy first round clash with Swindon Town at Layer Road, kick-off 7.45pm.

Former West Ham trainee Keith has been operating on a monthly basis since his previous two-year deal ran out in July.

And only two weeks ago he was being strongly linked with a move to former Premiership champions Blackburn Rovers.

The classy Pinault, who celebrates his 20th birthday in December, has clearly forced the manager's hand with a number of stylish performances this season.

Whitton said: "It's looking like good news all-round. Joe has agreed his new deal and we're not far away with Thomas either.

"Both of them are young players with very good prospects and we have been working things out for some time.

"The news is a timely boost for everyone as we launch out on the road hopefully to LDV success and to the final next year in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium."

Whitton added: "My whole squad is getting a younger look about it now which augers well for the future.

"The mix of young and old legs is getting closer now and it's always been my policy that if they're good enough they're old enough."

Whitton added even more substance to his policy by calling young wingback David Hadrava into tonight's squad alongside fellow youth teamers Ollie Blackwell and Lloyd Opara, who made his League debut at Blackpool on Saturday.

Joe Keith - set to stay at Colchester United

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