Colchester United youngster Kane Vincent-Young is hoping his impressive pre-season form shows that he can make a successful transition to first-team football.

U’s boss Tony Humes has said he would have no qualms about handing the teenage full-back his senior league debut, if required.

And with doubts remaining over left-back Matthew Briggs’ fitness ahead of this weekend’s big kick-off, Vincent-Young says he would love to feature against Blackpool.

He said: “It would definitely be a bonus to start on Saturday.

“I’d obviously like to be involved but the gaffer knows best and I’m just happy that I’ve been able to play games in pre-season.

“I have to thank the gaffer for giving me the opportunity to do that - it’s been a big confidence boost for me.

“When your manager shows faith in you it’s all you need, especially as a young player.

“Hopefully, I’ve repaid him and shown that when the season comes along he can trust me and I can perform.”

Vincent-Young caught the eye at both right-back and left-back for Colchester, in their pre-season friendlies.

The 19-year-old former Spurs youngster, who featured prominently for the U’s under-21s last season, completed another 90 minutes in the U’s 1-0 friendly defeat against a Fulham XI, last Saturday.

“Pre-season has been really good,” said Vincent-Young, who joined Colchester from Tottenham last September.

“I’ve played more minutes than I expected to, without a doubt.

“At the start of it, my aim was to be in and around the first team.

“But I’ve got three 90-minute games in which is really good for me and a pleasant surprise and I’ve shown what I can do.

“To start two or three games has been a bonus and hopefully, I can take that into the season now.

“I’ve felt really comfortable and the boys make it so easy, in and around the changing room before the game.

“The gaffer and Richard (Hall) have also been a big help too and with everyone supporting you, it just makes it easy.”

Vincent-Young has shown his versatility over pre-season, filling in at both right-back and left-back for the U’s.

He added: “Right-back is my preferred position but I played as a left-back when I was younger.

“It’s a bit different playing there in a first-team game but either way, I’m just happy to be out on the pitch.”

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