The Colchester United head coach has talking about one of his prize assets

JOHN McGreal says winger Courtney Senior has established a ‘huge reputation’ with his performances in League Two.

And the U’s boss says the skilful attacker’s name is regularly mentioned by opposition managers, after games.

Senior, who has made 33 appearances for the U's this season, has been in impressive form for Colchester over recent games.

The 21-year-old embarked on a magnificent solo run to set up Abo Eisa’s goal in the 3-0 win over Cheltenham Town, last weekend.

McGreal said: “Courtney has got a name – he’s got a huge reputation and getting courted by a lot of clubs.

“When you talk to managers after games, he’s on their lips.

“I got after Courtney once or twice in the first half (against Cheltenham), because I just feel that he has to be in the game.

“Sometimes it might take a little bit of a foot off to get a breather but we can’t allow that at the minute, because we’ve got quality on the bench who’ll come on and do it.

“He shows what he can do when we give him the ball and for what he brings, we need to give him the ball as much as possible.

“There are no grudges or anything like that – it’s just jobs to do and performances to make.

“Courtney’s been fine – he’s a strong boy.

“He got two heavy whacks (at Northampton) - the first one was quite cynical and to take him at knee high when he’s clean through as such can be really dangerous because of the speed he goes.

“There was also a follow through on him on the same area after that, which was completely accidental.

“The physio said it was wise for him to come off and I think we were in a really healthy position at that time, so we were able to look after him.

“He’s got a reputation but with that comes playing against seasoned pros who don’t want to get beaten by that individual, so they’ll try and do anything.

“But Courtney is a strong boy and you can see the work he does in the gym and the speed work he does.

“He’s able to get back up – he’s only 21 years old and he’s going to take a lot more of that during his career.

“He needs to be durable and have that mental strength to get back up and get back on the ball again.”