Dillon Barnes has set his sights on more first-team action for Colchester United next season after making his Football League debut.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper was handed his first-ever league start for the U’s in their 0-0 draw with Swindon Town, on Saturday.

Barnes helped Colchester keep a clean sheet in their final game of their Weston Homes Community Stadium campaign.

And with first-choice keeper Sam Walker linked with a move away from the club this summer, Barnes could soon be in line for more opportunities.

Barnes said: “I’ll be working hard throughout the off season and in pre-season and we’ll see what happens - hopefully, it will go my way.

“I’ve been working hard for it.

“I went out on loan throughout the season to a couple of clubs and I’ve been working hard in the gym.

“I went on loan to Welling which was a really good for me, as it was proper men’s football and then I went to Hemel Hempstead for a month.

“That was also good for me and I got two games in there.

“I’ve learnt a lot throughout the course of the season and I’m happy to get my opportunity.”

Barnes looked assured in what was only his third first-team appearance for Colchester since joining them in September, 2015.

The former Fulham and Barnet youngster had previously played for the U’s in the Carabao Cup and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy competitions.

“I enjoyed it massively,” said the 6ft 4in shot-stopper, who revealed he was only told he was playing by U’s head coach John McGreal an hour and a half prior to kick-off.

“I was really excited leading up to it and I felt good in the game.

“I was able to ease myself into it and it was a good game to come into.

“Everyone came out and did a good job – it was really good.

“I was really happy with the clean sheet and the boys helped with that.

“It was more about kicking than actual saves but it felt good.

“The boys did really well – I didn’t have much to do but anything I did, I felt assured and good.”

Barnes, who has been a regular on the bench for Colchester over recent weeks, says he has benefited a great deal from working with Walker and the club’s goalkeeper coach, Rene Gilmartin this season.

He added: “Sammie’s a top keeper – I enjoy watching him and I’ve learnt so much from him.

“Reg (Rene) has also helped me so much and I’m so happy to have him here around.”