Colchester United head coach John McGreal says young goalkeeper Dillon Barnes is likely to head out on loan following the arrival of Dean Brill.

The U’s bolstered their keeper options this week by signing experienced shot-stopper Brill on a free transfer following his release by Scottish Premier League club Motherwell, last week.

Brill will compete with current first-choice keeper Walker and Barnes for a place in Colchester’s starting line-up, as they push for promotion from League Two this season.

But boss McGreal says Brill’s arrival means that youngster Barnes is likely to head out on loan to gain experience at a a non-league side who can make signings outside of the transfer window.

McGreal told the Daily Gazette: “We’ve had a chat with Dillon and we felt it’s a good time for him to go out and get some experience of men’s football.

“We’ll look to get him away for a month or so on loan and see how he develops, because he needs game time.

“But we rate Dillon highly and I know all about him from under-21 football.

“Sam Walker has done particularly well having keep eight or nine clean sheets but Dean coming in will add to competition for places and he brings with him a wealth of experience.

“Sam and Dillon are still young and Dean will help to bring these boys on and the way that Dean has performed in training, it’s clear he’s not just come here to sit on the bench.

“He wants to push on and give competition to Sam and Dillon.”

McGreal says he expects forward Pyke to hold his own in League Two when he gets his opportunity, despite his young age.

Pyke, who is yet to make a senior appearance for his parent club Huddersfield, has been prolific for the club’s academy teams.

The young striker spent time on loan at National League outfit Wrexham earlier this season and will challenge Kurtis Guthrie, Chris Porter and Denny Johnstone for a place in Colchester’s attack.

McGreal said: “Rekeil Pyke is only 19 years old but he’s a man, with his physique.

“He’s a really strong boy and he has a real desire to do well.

“He’s come in with a great reputation and will back up the three forwards we have here at the moment - he will bring a desire and a hunger to it.”

Pyke’s loan move to Colchester is until the end of the season but includes any possible play-off matches, should the U’s League Two campaign be extended.