JOHN McGreal is confident Colchester United will see the best of winger Drey Wright next season after he signed a one-year deal with the club.

The U’s first-team coach says it is time for the youngster to kick on, after he agreed to stay at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Wright, who penned a new contract with Colchester last week, managed only one start for the club this season having been largely used as a substitute.

The 21-year-old has been used the bench in 40 of the 55 appearances he has made since making his U's debut in 2012 and McGreal believes next season will be a big one for him.

McGreal told the Daily Gazette: “Drey was with me for the majority of last season, in the under-21s.

“He’s had a couple of years of injuries - it’s time now for him to kick on and we’ll definitely see the best of him next season.

“Last season, he showed for the first team and with me in the under-21s that he had his pace back.

“He’s shown more belief and has scored a lot of goals for the under-21s.

“People tend to forget that he’s only 21.”

Wright is one of two Colchester players who have recently signed one-year contracts with the club, with Jack Curtis also penning a 12-month deal last week.

The U’s have also offered new terms to Tom Eastman, Jamie Harney, Dillon Barnes and Femi Akinwande.

“Jack’s another one of the young boys who I’ve had for a long time,” said McGreal.

“I think this will be a defining season for him.

“He did well in the last pre-season and got game time, making an appearance in the FA Cup.

“The most important thing for Jack is that he comes back for pre-season fit and is raring to go.

“There are places to fight for and pre-season will be important in that process.

“It’s an opportunity for our players to come back and show how hungry they are to impress because they will get opportunities.

“You need a thirst for success and that’s what we’re looking for from the one-year contracts.

“It’s a real carrot for them to go out and show that they’re worthy of a place.

“The chairman Robbie Cowling and director of football Tony Humes have made it clear that there will be incentives, with the reward of first-team football.”