Colchester United manager Kevin Keen said he was “immensely proud” of his players’ efforts following their 4-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup fourth round.

The U’s had to deal with the setback of losing both of their centre-backs – Alex Wynter and Tom Eastman – early on but battled on before eventually succumbing to defeat against their Premier League opponents.

Keen said: “I’m immensely proud of my players, when you think about the circumstances of what’s happened.

“There was a spell in the second half when it was 1-0 and we were on top, the crowd were behind us and you feel a little bit of momentum building.

“But in those moments you have to take a chance from a corner or a shot.

“We had two or three blocked shots which having looked at our stats over the last seven games, is something that is very much happening at this football club.

“We gave it a go and I’ve got nothing but pride for my players.

“I thought it was a very gallant effort – unfortunately it was a defeat but I’m proud of them.”