Colchester United are in talks with promising young goalkeeper Dillon Barnes.

The former Fulham academy shot-stopper has impressed for the U’s under-21 side, this month.

Barnes helped John McGreal’s side keep their first clean sheet of the season in their 2-0 triumph at Bristol City, on Monday.

And the 19-year-old is set to extend his stay at the club, after impressing goalkeeper coach Ademola Bankole.

Barnes was part of Fulham’s under-21 squad and has also spent times at the likes of Barnet and non-league Farnborough and Bedford Town on loan.

U’s under-21 coach McGreal said: “We’re in the process of sorting something out with Dillon.

“I know the goalkeeper coach George (Bankole) likes the look of him.

“He’s played for us in our last under-21 games and he’s already been in and around the first-team environment.

“He’s settled in quite well, even though he’s only been with us for a couple of weeks.

“He already knows one or two of the lads like Kane Vincent-Young and that will always helps.”

McGreal believes the presence of first-team players such as Drey Wright and Frankie Kent has boosted his young squad, this season.

Colchester’s under-21s have made a positive start to their Professional Development League Two campaign, recording wins over Bristol City and Birmingham City.

The likes of Wright, Kent and Tom Lapslie have all featured for the side as they build their fitness levels up and McGreal believes that has been beneficial.

“It’s definitely helped us and they bring that quality, which in turn is helping to bring on the likes of Jamie Harney, Jack Curtis and Byron Lawrence,” said the former Ipswich Town defender.

“We had boys of 18, 19 and 20 years old out there who’ve had that bit of first-team exposure and that’s helped the younger boys learn how to manage games.

“This group has been together for a number of years and they still have that mentality of wanting to play and being a group.

“Things might change but that will only give others opportunities to shine, like Charlie Edge and Chris Regis.

“Everyone knows that at Colchester United, if you’re good enough you will get your opportunity to play.

“I was really pleased with the result (at Briistol City) - Wade Elliott took their team and said afterwards that he felt we deserved to win.”