Tony Humes has congratulated striker Macauley Bonne on his international call-up - despite it potentially leaving Colchester United short of firepower.

Bonne has been named in the Zimbabwe squad for their African Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea next month.

The 19-year-old has been included in the Warriors party for the international, which takes place at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday, September 6.

Bonne’s inclusion in the squad, which is yet to be confirmed by the Zimbabwe national team, could pose a problem for the U’s, who are currently short of attacking options.

The Zimbabwe game takes place on the same weekend as Colchester’s League One trip to play Sheffield United, on September 5.

And Bonne is also likely to be unavailable for the U’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie at League Two side Northampton Town, next Tuesday.

Colchester are currently without captain Chris Porter, who is sidelined with an ankle injury.

Nevertheless, Humes said he is pleased that Bonne’s progression at Colchester has been identified by Zimbabwe, although the call-up is yet to be officially confirmed.

He said: “It’s a good thing that they’ve recognised that he’s a young player forging his way in the game and with any recognition like that, you have to say “well done”.

“Macauley has done well in the four games that he’s started for us and we’re pleased with him.

“It’s a tough ask for him, playing that position on his own.

“He’s been called up by Zimbabwe before but the last one was just a friendly and the difference is that this time, there is something riding on the game for them.

“They will be playing for points because it’s a qualifier and the experience will only benefit him.

“He will be unavailable for us but that’s just something that happens and there are plenty of other clubs in the same situation.”

Bonne, who has started Colchester’s last four league and cup games, made his Zimbabwe debut last November in a friendly against Morocco.

The teenager capped his first-ever international appearance by scoring a goal after just 18 minutes.

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