Colchester United youngster Junior Tchamadeu shone against Crawley

But the Colchester United boss has stressed it is important they keep the skilful young defender's feet firmly on the ground.

Tchamadeu capped a superb individual display with a fine goal in the U's 2-2 draw with Crawley Town, on Tuesday night.

The 18-year-old was outstanding for his side and Bloomfield was delighted with the youngster's performance.

However, Bloomfield acknowledges Tchamadeu still has plenty of learning to do.

And the U's boss has revealed that the attacking right-back texts him after every game to go through video footage of his performance.

Bloomfield said: "Junior is a lovely kid - what a lad.

" I think he’s an absolutely great kid and from the moment I walked through the door he was like a breath of fresh air.

“He’s such a humble boy and he wants to look after his family and he knows why he’s trying to do this, to fulfil himself.

"He's got a massive future ahead of him but we want to keep his feet firmly on the ground.

"He's got loads of learning to do; we sit through his clips - every Sunday without fail, he texts me and says 'gaffer, what time tomorrow can we do clips?'.

"I have to wait until after training because Monday mornings are so busy but he waits around and we sit through clips of every game, without fail.

“He wants to improve so that energy, that hunger and desire to move forward I think is absolutely brilliant.

“It’s lads like Junior you want to go on and fulfil everything because first and foremost, he’s one of the best kids you’re going to meet and he’s got some ability as well, so we want to help him as best we can."

Bloomfield made four changes to his starting line-up for the game against Crawley.

However, he retained the services of John Akinde to spearhead the Colchester attack and the experienced striker made his presence felt against the Red Devils.

Bloomfield feels Akinde has plenty to offer for the U's this season and added: “John’s only 33 and he’s plenty of football in his legs.

“I played until I was 37, Bayo (Adebayo Akinfenwa) played until he was 40.

“I told John, if he wants to be a super sub and just be that guy, then I think he’s wasting the rest of his career.

“I’ve got no interest in him becoming that guy and there’s more things to come from him.

“I think he’s got the hunger and desire and he wants to go on achieving.

“He’s got plenty more to give."