Sam Hornby returned to Colchester United's starting line-up

Hornby was handed his first EFL start for 17 months when he started the U's 3-2 win at Crawley Town, last weekend.

The 29-year-old, who has played understudy to Owen Goodman for much of this season, played his part in Colchester's vital victory at Broadfield Stadium.

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And U's boss Cowley says he was delighted with the former Bradford City goalkeeper's performance.

Cowley said: “We just felt that it was Sam’s time and it was the right time.

“I’m so pleased for him, because I thought he put together a really reliable, experienced and professional performance.

“It felt like I had him on remote control, because he just did everything that we wanted him to do when we wanted him to do it and it was a good feeling.

“It was a really competent display and now, he has to back that up because that’s what professional football requires you to do.

“You can’t get too high on the good moments.

“You have to stay really focused because we’ll be going again, on Tuesday night."

Hornby has had to wait patiently for his chance at Colchester, this season.

He had a brief loan spell at National League club Solihull Moors last November and had previously only made one appearance for the U's, in their Football League Trophy game at Cambridge United.

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“Sam is a really experienced and reliable professional," added Cowley.

“That is actually the biggest compliment that I can give him.

“I have so much respect for the boys that have lived football for as long as Sam has, that have the experience that he has.

“He turns up and does his job every single day to the best of his ability.

“Being a number two is not an easy position – it’s probably the hardest position in the whole squad.

“Every day, he comes in and never loses any energy, he never loses any enthusiasm.

“He’s supported Owen all the way through; when Owen’s done well and when he’s had his difficult moments, he’s been a really good team member."