BEN Garner insists there is still a lot more to come from talented midfielder Noah Chilvers following his strong finish to Colchester United's season.
The U's are bracing themselves for interest this summer in their home-grown youngster, who ended the 2022-23 campaign as the club's top goalscorer.
Chilvers was Colchester's third-highest appearance maker in League Two this season scoring nine times, including five goals in his final ten games.
READ MORE: What next for Luke Chambers after U's exit?
The 22-year-old has established himself as a key player under Garner - and the U's head coach says he is excited about the midfielder's potential.
Garner said: “I really like Noah.
“I think he’s a really talented player and I think he’s really improved in the time that we’ve been at the club.
“I think there’s a lot more to come from him and there’s so much more that we can help him develop and add to his game.
“I’m really excited about his potential moving forward but he’s still a young player.
READ MORE: League Two newcomers snap up former U's favourite
“He’ll face challenges and when you’re being man marked or getting particular attention or being stopped in certain areas, that’s all part of his education and development.
“A factor that I look for in a player is - are they coachable and do they want to learn, are they able to learn, can they take things on?
“We want input from the players on how they felt and how they saw the game and also them questioning what we’re doing.
READ MORE: Bookies give their verdict on League Two for 2023-24 season
“They’ve the ones who have to solve problems on the pitch and execute decisions and ultimately, win the game.
“For me, a lot of my job is supporting them and providing them with the tools for them to go and do that."
Chilvers is one of a number of academy players to have progressed into the current first-team set-up, at Colchester.
The likes of Junior Tchamadeu, Samson Tovide and Marley Marshall Miranda have also featured regularly for the U's, this season.
Garner says home-grown youngsters will get more opportunities in his squad next season - providing they have the right attitude and ability.
He added: “We always want a pathway here.
“Young players will get the opportunity but they have to be good enough and have the right attitude.
“If they have those two things, then they have a great chance of getting into the team."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here