Kevin Horlock believes Colchester United’s under-23 clash with his former club Manchester City tonight will be the ideal benchmark for the U’s up-and-coming youngsters.

The U’s development side will be hoping to showcase their talents when they host Simon Davies’ Premier League 2 side at the Weston Homes Community Stadium (kick-off 7pm).

Wayne Brown’s team, who have won their last three matches, will be hoping to boost their chances of Group C qualification in the Premier League Cup match, which is free for season-ticket holders.

And Colchester’s under-23 assistant manager Horlock, who made nearly 250 appearances for City during his time at Maine Road, says it is the perfect opportunity for Colchester’s academy players to show off their skills.

Horlock told the Daily Gazette: “I think it’ll be a good yardstick to where the lads want to be because they all want to play at the highest level possible.

“It’s great to have a game like this because you want to pit your wits against a massive club like Manchester City.

“It’s a chance for our players to play against their quality players.

“We’ll do our homework on them like we always do and we’ll leave no stone unturned.

“No-one really knows what sort of side they’ll have out but we will have to be at our best.

“But we have a good group who are willing to work hard and fight for each other.”

Horlock is still a popular figure among City fans, having spent six and a half years at the club.

The 44-year-old represented City in three different divisions after joining them from Swindon Town for £1.25m in January, 1997.

“I get invited up there now and again,” added Horlock, who won two promotions during his time with City.

“My little boy is mad keen on football and he’s taken a real liking to Manchester City, so it’s for him more than me really.

“I don’t really like to get too involved in the fact that I played there before.

“But it’s unbelievable how the club has transformed and they always had that potential.

“Even when I signed for them I was amazed at how big the club back then but they’ve always had a fantastic fanbase.

“I think they’ve always been one of the only clubs who can sell out even when they’re not playing well.”

Colchester under-23s’ Premier League Cup clash with Manchester City is the first of two games in quick succession for them in the competition.

Brown’s side, who lie second in the group with four points, host Hull City in another Group C match, on Monday night.