NEW Colchester United signing Michael Fernandes is on 'cloud nine' after making his mark in pre-season.

That's the view of U's head coach John McGreal, who says the young attacker has made a positive impact both in matches and in training.

Fernandes, who started with the Middlesex-based Conquest Football Academy, scored in Colchester's 3-0 win at Wealdstone in their latest friendly on Tuesday night.

It followed his assist in their victory at Cefn Druids last weekend and he is hoping to force his way into McGreal's plans, having joined Colchester from Southern League outfit Farnborough on a two-year deal earlier this month.

The 19-year-old is embarking on his first-ever season as a professional and McGreal says he is making a good impression.

McGreal said: “Michael's pace, energy levels and stats in training are off the wall, really.

"He's a winger but I think he can play across the ten as well.

“I think once he’s away, you’re not going to catch him and I think he showed terrific composure for such a young boy to get his goal.

“He got an assist in Wales (at Cefn Druids) and I think that really gave him a shot in the arm.

“He’s a little bit on cloud nine at the minute at his first professional club but he’s working ever so hard to stay in and around it."

It is a case of so far, so good for Colchester in pre-season.

They have hit ten goals and are yet to concede in their opening four friendlies, ahead of their home clash with Ipswich Town tomorrow night.

However, boss McGreal wants to see more from his side in front of goal, as they build up for the new League Two season which kicks off on August 3.

“We’re getting into those positions and getting bodies into the box which is what we’ve worked on in training," added the U's head coach.

"It’s just then either picking someone out or making sure we have that quality or taking a breath, in that last little bit.

“We just don’t want what happened last season, where we created a whole lot of chances but didn’t score.

“It’s about now bringing in the different qualities and working on different things as well – we’re hoping we’ll see the fruits of our labour going into the first game (against Port Vale)."