CAMERON James has praised his relationship with head coach John McGreal as he continues to impress since breaking into the Colchester United first team.

The 19-year-old has played 13 consecutive games since making his first-ever senior start against Wycombe Wanderers, in February.

James put in a performance beyond his years as the U's recorded a clean sheet against Plymouth Argyle - the team with the best away record in League Two - in their 0-0 draw last Saturday.

James said: "John and I have got a good relationship. I've moved up the age groups with him, so I know him quite well and he knows me.

"It's good to have that sort of bond with the manager."

Colchester are known for their emphasis on youth products and James is the latest home-grown players to have flourished in McGreal's side.

The versatile defender is playing with a lot of confidence and that was reflected in his audacious Cruyff turn to fool an oncoming Plymouth striker in his own penalty area, midway through the second half.

It turns out it is not the first time James has performed such a move.

He said: "I've always had that up my sleeve.

"I used to do it in the under 21s as well but he (McGreal) has always encouraged me to do it and to play with confidence. "I got away with it this time, so I'll keep doing it."

It was an impressive display from the U's against Plymouth, particularly from the defence who restricted their already-promoted opponents to just a handful of chances, with goalkeeper Sam Walker rarely threatened.

"Obviously it's good for us defenders to get a clean sheet," said James.

"You can't lose a game if you don't concede goals."

James felt Colchester had had the better of the game against Plymouth and believes it shows that his side are not far off the best teams in the division.

He added: "We've known [that] all season. Confidence has been high and despite the injuries, we've shown we've got the squad depth.

"We're not far off it at all - the play-offs are still within reach for us.

"Obviously I'm more than happy with the way I've come into the team and how I've played but to get into the play-offs, play at Wembley and get promoted would just top it off."