Colchester United will hand Casey Thomas his first senior start in their FA Cup clash with Crewe Alexandra tomorrow.

And boss John Ward is hoping that the youngster will make the same kind of impact for the U’s as former loanee Michail Antonio.

Thomas - who was an unused substitute for Colchester at Tranmere Rovers last weekend - has been drafted in on loan from Premier League side Swansea City until January.

The 20-year-old - who can play on the right wing or up front - will go straight into Colchester’s starting line-up for their first-round tie at Gresty Road.

The game at Crewe will mark his Colchester debut, after arriving at the Weston Homes Community Stadium last week.

And the tie will also be Thomas’s first-ever senior start, following two substitute appearances for Swansea.

U’s manager John Ward said: “He’s a good young man who has slotted into the football club well and we’re looking forward to him making his debut tomorrow.

“He’s an under-21 international and Brendan Rodgers was very happy for him to be involved in all of our games, including the FA Cup.

“I’ve brought in Casey to fill the spot that Michail has left and we’ve already worked on that.

“We’ll get Casey in the side tomorrow and give him his debut and we’re looking for similar things from him.

“Michail did exceptionally well in the three months that he was with us and we have Casey here for two months.

“We’re hoping that he can do well for us.”

See Friday's Gazette for a full preview of Colchester United's FA Cup first round tie at Crewe Alexandra tomorrow, including features on Ben Williams and Andrew Bond returning to their former club.