GENE Kennedy says making his Colchester United debut at St Andrew’s was ‘a perfect moment’.

The teenage midfielder, who has been with the U’s since under-ten level, made his senior bow for the club after coming on as a second-half substitute in their 1-0 defeat at Birmingham City in the Carabao Cup, on Tuesday night.

Kennedy said: “It was the perfect moment, to make my debut for Colchester at a place like St Andrew’s.

“I was happy that I could do it front of my family - they made the journey and I was buzzing.

“They always come and support me wherever I am and watch the games.

“With it being 0-0, it was a good score to come on to.

“It was difficult too because there was such a quick tempo, against a good team.

“I thought we were in control but it’s still difficult coming on but I thought I did alright.

“Unfortunately, the goal went in but I’m just proud the gaffer put me on at 0-0.

“I thought we did really well and it was a shame to concede a deflected goal but that’s football.

“I thought we were on top for most of the game and controlled it a lot.

“All of the boys are disappointed that we didn’t win because we thought we dominated the game.”

Gazette:

Kennedy featured regularly for Colchester in pre-season, prior to making his senior debut.

He has been elevated to first-team level and played in friendlies against the likes of Spurs and Watford.

“From the first day in for pre-season, I’ve been with the first team,” said Kennedy.

“Training every day, pre-season was tough as always but I felt I did really well throughout and happy to go into the season with them.

“I’ve been with Colchester for about eight years now, since I was about ten and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

“Colchester have a lot of faith in the youth team and the young players coming through.

“I’m just happy to be involved in it at this moment and get minutes.”

Kennedy came close to capping his memorable night with a last-gasp equaliser for Colchester.

The young midfielder had a close-range shot blocked in stoppage-time, seconds after his team-mate Cameron Coxe had rattled the woodwork.

He added: “Coxey did really well and unfortunately hit the bar.

“It came to me and I tried my best but it was good defending from them.

“It was on target but he made a good block; I followed it up and did my best.”

Colchester are advising spectators to buy in advance ahead of their first home game of the season on Saturday.

While tickets can be purchased online on the day up until kick-off, it is much easier to do it at home rather than at the stadium on a phone.

Visit https://www.cu-fc.com/tickets/