With Colchester United’s destiny now all but decided, the final three games of the season may open the door for some of the club’s younger players to sample a further taste of first-team action.

U’s boss Kevin Keen has hinted he will be looking to the future in the final stages of the campaign and Louis Dunne will be hoping he may be given a further opportunity to impress.

Dunne – the son of popular former Colchester player and manager Joe Dunne - has been in and around the squad for a number of weeks and made his senior debut as a second-half substitute in the club’s 3-3 draw with League One leaders Wigan Athletic, last month.

Now the talented 17-year-old is striving to try and force his way into Keen’s plans for the remainder of the campaign and beyond.

Dunne told the Daily Gazette: “I’m working hard every day to try and be involved in the first team squad, between now and the end of the season.

“It would be great to get another appearance before the season finishes but if not, I’ll be trying to get in the first team next season.

“It’s been very good to playing regularly in the under-21s and then get the opportunity to play in the first team.

“Personally, it’s been a very good season for me and I’ve enjoyed every minute of being involved.

“At the start of the season, my goal for the year was to probably get into the under-21s and play regularly.

“I found myself in there from the start of the season and by the end of the season, I’ve managed to get myself in and around the first team.

“It’s been fantastic and now I have to just try and keep going and kick on, to strive for even bigger goals.

“It was a fantastic moment for me to make my debut.

“My mum was in the crowd and hopefully, I kick on now and continue onto next season or even this season.

“Training with the first team has been very good and the manager’s sessions have been excellent.

“It’s been really worthwhile, learning from people like Owen Garvan, Chris Porter and Alex Gilbey.

“That kind of experience has helped me massively.”

Louis’s father Joe knows more than anyone what it is like to be a Colchester player – and the teenager says the former U’s boss has advised his son to keep working hard.

“My dad is very level headed and he keeps me level headed as well,” said Dunne, who played for Republic of Ireland’s under-18 side against their England counterparts, last month.

“He was very proud of me when I made my debut but now he’s saying the same thing as I am and that’s for me to try and kick on now and hopefully get more experiences in the squad.”