MARLEY Marshall Miranda is the latest talented young player to progress from Colchester United's academy ranks into their first team.

The 19-year-old midfielder made his first-ever competitive start for the U's in memorable fashion earlier this week, when he impressed in their 1-0 win at Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup.

Marshall Miranda has broken into Wayne Brown's squad, following an impressive pre-season.

But the pathway the combative teenage midfielder has followed into the U's senior ranks has been a little less conventional than that of his young team-mates.

While his academy colleagues have grown up within the English academy framework, it was in Spain that Marshall Miranda gained much of his football education.

Born in Madrid, as a youngster he played in the Spanish leagues before moving to England when he was 12 years old.

“Growing up in Spain was so good," said Miranda, who joined Colchester when he was 16 following his release by Brighton and Hove Albion.

“I used to support Barcelona – me and my Dad were the only ones in our town!

“You’d be surprised that I come from Spain because I get around and that’s what made me different out there as well.

“It was so different to here; I enjoyed my time there but it was time for a change and there wasn’t as many opportunities in Spain as there is in England.

“I don’t think I’d be in this position I’m in right now so I’m glad my parents moved over.

“When I came to England, I played one year of Sunday League but during that time, there was already interest and I got signed by Brighton.

“As soon as I was released by Brighton at under-16, I came straight here and I’ve been here since.

“It’s been a good move and I’ve been enjoying it."

Gazette:

Marshall Miranda has certainly not looked fazed since forcing his way into the first-team squad at Colchester.

In fact, against Portman Road on Tuesday night, it looked like he had been playing in the U's midfield for years after producing a mature performance that belied his tender years.

“It’s been good starting and playing in these important games," said Marshal Miranda, who is contracted at Colchester until the summer of 2023.

“The gaffer has got trust in me, so I’m glad about that.

“I just need to gain experience and I feel like I’m gelling with the squad very well, so it’s been a good start.

“I relish the opportunity and I feel like I’m ready to put the work in on the training ground which is what I’ve been doing, working hard every day and I’m just glad I’ve got the chance now, instead of the end of the season.

“I knew that I had to come in and do well straight away and catch the eye.

“I feel like I did that and that’s what got me playing and the minutes recently.

“I love playing with Skuse, Judgey, Chambo behind me.

“They talk to me a lot and help me a lot and that experience is what I need as well, because they know way more than I do about the game.

“It’s good to have that.

“But I’ve got to trust myself too, because I’m here for a reason, to help the team win at the end of the day.

“I feel like I have to do that, as that’s my job.

“I’m ready for whatever comes.

“I’m ready either way, as I know I’m going to contribute to the team.

“I’ve just got to do my job out there.

“I’m not fazed about crowds or that kind of stuff; that’s not who I am."

“I’m confident in myself and what I can do.

“This club is all about chances.

“I had a little taster back in the day and now I feel I’m more mature and more ready."

Marshall Miranda, who was given his Colchester senior debut by Steve Ball in September 2020, relished helping his side beat Ipswich.

The U's reward for the win over their East Anglian neighbours is a home clash with Premier League club Brentford, later this month.

Marshall Miranda added: “We had a game plan and we stuck to it.

“That was what got us the win, at the end of the day.

“The gaffer did well with that set up.

“Brentford at home is a good game for us and I reckon the stadium will be pumped, so it’s good.”