DANNY Cowley admits Colchester United are 'a little anxious' over the knee injury suffered by promising youngster Milton Oni against Brentford.

The talented 18-year-old suffered the injury in the second half of the U's Carabao Cup tie with the Bees at the JobServe Community Stadium, on Wednesday night.

Oni was forced off on his first-ever professional start for Colchester after falling victim to a heavy challenge just after the hour mark, in the second-round clash.

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He initially tried to continue but was eventually replaced a few minutes later by Samson Tovide and U's boss Cowley admits there is concern over the youngster.

Cowley said: “Milton was pretty sore; it was pretty angry.

“The referee didn’t give a foul but when you watch back, it was quite a heavy collision and his knee has gone inwards.

“We’re a little anxious about where that is but we’ll give him all the support we can.

“There’s a little bit of inflammation around it and we need to let it settle.

“We need to look after that in the short term so that we can then scan it and see what the next steps are.

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

“He’s an ultra-positive boy and this is just the next challenge in his journey.

“He’s overcome the challenges that he’s had in his career so far and I’ve no doubt he’ll do the same with this one.

“He’s got a good mentality and he takes it all in his stride.

“We know he’s got the athleticism to live even against the likes of the Premier League players Brentford have and I thought he showed a real calmness and composure with the ball, which is a part of his game which we’ll try to add to and develop."

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There is some good news on the injury front for Colchester though, with experienced striker Lyle Taylor set to be named in their squad for the trip to play Accrington Stanley tomorrow.

The former Nottingham Forest forward is yet to feature for the U's since joining them on a one-year deal earlier this summer, after suffering a calf injury.

However, Colchester are hopeful that Taylor will be named in the squad for the game at Accrington.

Cowley added: “He’s trained again today (Thursday) and hopefully he’ll come through tomorrow and will be on the bus to Accrington, which will be really positive."