It has taken a long, long time to find but Colchester United have finally discovered some much-needed defensive solidity.

It may ultimately prove to have come too late to help the U’s succeed in their ongoing mission to stay in League One.

But for the team with the worst defensive record in English football’s top five divisions, it is undoubtedly a most welcome development.

Indeed, the fact that the U’s have now not conceded in more than four hours of football is a significant one, given their woes at the back this season.

Kevin Keen suggested that consistent hard work day in, day out in training has provided the platform for his side’s stronger performances at the back.

And the U’s boss will be especially encouraged to see one of Colchester’s academy products at the heart of their newly-resilient back four.

Frankie Kent represents perfectly chairman Robbie Cowling’s vision of seeing talented young players emerge through the club’s academy to shine in the club’s first team and possibly beyond.

It was perhaps no coincidence then that Keen after the 0-0 draw with Millwall suggested that Colchester’s improved performances and results over recent weeks offer further evidence that the club is going in the right direction, despite their precarious league position.

Might we have seen another glimpse of Colchester’s future at the weekend?

Five academy players featured for the U’s against the Lions, with a further four unused substitutes from the youth set-up on the bench.

When Keen talks of his players giving their “heart and soul” to the cause at the moment, he is of course referring to the whole of his squad and not just their home-grown players.

But the likes of Kent and Alex Gilbey are the trail-blazers for Colchester’s academy under Cowling and represent the commitment and desire that Keen refers to.

Gilbey, whose is growing as a football with every game, is highly unlikely to still be a U’s player next season; Glasgow Rangers are the latest club to be mentioned as his next destination.

But wherever he goes, he will become an example of why Cowling is putting so much faith – and investment - in the academy.