Colchester United head coach John McGreal has praised the versatility of Drey Wright following his impressive display against Lincoln City.

The 22-year-old was recalled to the U's starting line-up against the Imps in a central attacking role and produced an eye-catching performance, providing the assist for Sammie Szmodics to score the U's early winner in their 1-0 victory at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Wright has played in a variety of positions for Colchester during McGreal's reign as manager - and the U's boss says he is a big asset.

McGreal said: “Drey can play anywhere – we’ve had him left wing-back, right wing-back, we’ve played him as a bit of a ten, he can play up front and he can play right and left wing.

“He’s adaptable and when you have a player like that, you know that you can put him in there and get a performance.

“I don’t know what he’s got to do to score!

“He hit the bar against Morecambe and when he pulled the trigger (against Lincoln) the keeper made a fantastic save."

Wright was one of five home-grown players to start for Colchester against Lincoln, along with Szmodics, skipper Tom Lapslie, Frankie Kent and Kane Vincent-Young.

“We had five of our young academy lads on the pitch," said McGreal.

“It’s still a young team but that’s fantastic for the club.

“They stood up to the test and I thought they were excellent.

“We’re a young team – the average age I think against Morecambe was 22 and a half and they’re learning all the time to compete but also, how to be brave enough to play."

McGreal admits Colchester will have to check on the fitness of several players ahead of their trip to Notts County this weekend, following a competitive encounter against Lincoln.

Midfielder Doug Loft is a major doubt for the Meadow Lane trip, after being forced off before half-time with a shoulder injury.

He added: “We’re hoping for the boys to recover really well.

“There are a few bumps and bruises and it was a tough game against Lincoln.

“It was a proper man’s game of football."