AS one door closes, another opens.

And John McGreal believes young defender Cameron James is a prime example of that following his spell of excellent form for Colchester United.

The centre-half was drafted into duty as a result of injuries to the likes of Tom Eastman and Frankie Kent.

However, he has risen to the challenge and proved what can happen if you work hard and take your chance.

“Last time we played Luton (on Boxing Day), we had six players on the pitch who aren’t available at this moment in time,” said head coach McGreal.

“But it’s given other people opportunities to come in and do well, like Cameron.

“If they’re good enough, they’ll get opportunities and he’s been absolutely terrific.

“I’ve known him for a while, having played him when I was with the 21s and he was only 16 or 17.

“He’s come in and done fantastically, showing real composure.

“In last week’s game he played one of the passes of the season, out to the left, and he’s showed real maturity for such a young player. You’ve seen that in his displays.

“He’s looked after himself, recovers well and he’s got a very bright future.

“Cameron’s not the only one. Ten or 11 of the boys in our squad are 21 or under.

“We’re a young squad and they’re going to get tons of experience.

“If we need them, they’re there to be called upon.

“It’s a steep learning curve, both for them and myself, but the boys are clocking up games and that bodes well for the future of the club.”

McGreal believes James has benefitted from playing alongside an older, experienced head in George Elokobi.

“George has definitely helped him, as he has the likes of Frankie and Tom Eastman,” he said.

“He gets a bit of a buzz from that, because he’s played the game for a long time and knows it inside out. Plus, they do all his running!”

Colchester have a home date with Luton Town tomorrow – a side they defeated 1-0 on Boxing Day, thanks to a late winner from Craig Slater.

And McGreal knows his side will have to be at their best to complete an eye-catching double against the automatic promotion-chasers.

“Both teams need three points tomorrow,” he said.

“Luton need them, to consolidate their play-off position and also to keep pushing for third spot.

“And we need them to get back on track last week.

“It’ll be a tough game, though.

“(Manager) Nathan (Jones) has done a terrific job at Luton, from where they were to where he’s got them at this moment in time.

“Winning there was one of our best wins and performances of the season, against a side that had been in and around the top seven all season.

“Hopefully we can make our home advantage count tomorrow.

“You always want your ground to become a bit of a fortress and that’s been the case of late.

“The home fans have been brilliant for us this year.

“The South Stand tend to start the signing and get the whole crowd going.”

Richard Brindley is in line to start after recovering from a calf injury and Dean Brill and Tommy O’Sullivan could also return to the squad.

But Owen Garvan (knee) is likely to miss out again and Sammie Szmodics (broken leg), Luke Prosser (knee), Tom Eastman (ankle), Frankie Kent (ankle), Lloyd Doyley (knee), Denny Johnstone (knee), Kurtis Guthrie (ankle), Craig Slater (groin), Doug Loft (calf) and Jermaine Grandison (hip flexor) are all still sidelined.

Probable U’s line-up: Walker, James, Elokobi, Briggs, Brindley, Lapslie, Murray, Wright, Dickenson, Pyke, Porter.