Colchester United boss Steve Whitton has survived another test of his managerial mettle - a grilling by the club's supporters.

Whitton attended the latest fans' forum at Colchester Institute last night and answered numerous questions from some of his terrace critics.

One answer revealed just how highly he rates the U's most exciting prospect, teenager Lomana Tresor Lua Lua.

Asked how far in the game Lomana could go, Whitton said: "If he carries on learning as a 90-minute player he could be an international, for England or whoever.

"He could be the best in the country. He's the best young player I've seen."

Whitton was also asked for his views on another U's youngster, Frenchman Thomas Pinault, who has impressed in youth and reserve team outings.

"People get carried away with Thomas because he was bought as a first team player when he is still a youth teamer," he said.

"The games we have had have been too important to try him out. He is very skilful but needs the physique to play in Division Two. Hopefully, he will play in the first team soon."

Asked for his views about the U's prospects next season, Whitton said: "If we keep the main part of the current team and make two or three additions in the summer, the play-offs would be a reasonable achievement."

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