AL-AMIN Kazeem has got a bright future ahead of him after making an impressive senior debut for Colchester United.

That's the view of U's head coach Wayne Brown, who was delighted with the young defender's performance at Ipswich Town.

Kazeem was handed his first-ever competitive start for Colchester at left-back, in their 1-0 triumph at Portman Road in the Carabao Cup.

The talented 20-year-old earned rave reviews for his performance and boss Brown, who also coached Kazeem at Maldon and Tiptree, was delighted.

Brown said: "I don't like to individualize after games but Al-Amin for me making his debut against a real top class player...I thought his one for one defending was exceptional.

"Al probably played over 50 games for me, at Maldon.

"He's an exceptional talent and Maldon is a great channel for us, to blood youngsters and make sure that we can get them men's football, where there is physicality.

 

"It's a totally different type of football.

"The pace is obviously quicker and more physical and that can only benefit people like Al.

"You've seen his fitness first and foremost but also his physical presence to get out to the ball and want to defend.

"That's a rarity nowadays, where you have people who actually want to defend.

"I think he's a top, top lad and he's got a bright future ahead of him."

Colchester are hoping to make further progress in the Carabao Cup, having progressed past the first-round stage for the first time since 2019.

Luke Hannant's first-half strike earned the U's a place in the second round, following their first victory at Portman Road since 1951.

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Brown said: “This is brilliant for the fans.

“It’s also brilliant for the players, brilliant for the staff, brilliant for the chairman.

“The finances are massive for us and if we can get a little run in the competition, it does go a long way for a club like us.

“I’m proud of each and every one of them.

“It has to be a collective, when you come to places like this and the players that you’re playing against.

“I thought with the structure and shape of the team, that proved the case.

“Everybody had a part to play, the subs coming on had a part to play and everyone did just that."