COHEN Bramall says he is grateful to Colchester United boss John McGreal for giving him an immediate chance to shine for his new club.

The 23-year-old went straight into the thick of the action for the U’s in their League Two opener against Port Vale, little more than 24 hours after completing a two-year deal at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Bramall played the full 90 minutes in Colchester’s 1-1 draw with Vale and the former Arsenal youngster says he is indebted to McGreal for handing him a swift opportunity to impress.

Bramall said: “I’m forever grateful to the gaffer for bringing me here and trusting me, even though I’ve only trained two or three times with them.

“He put me right in the mix and I’m grateful for that.

“I enjoyed my debut, it was great.

“I think my final ball could have been better and there were times right at the end where I was getting a little bit fatigued.

“But it was my first 90 minutes for the last two months, because I’ve only been training.

“You have to keep going, have a strong mindset and keep talking to yourself.

“When you have a great skipper like Pross (Luke Prosser) talking to you, it gives you confidence.

“My final ball needs to improve ASAP and I’ll work on that with the coaches and the staff and go again.”

Bramall made a dream move to Arsenal from Northern Premier League side Hednesford Town for £40,000 in January, 2017.

During his time with the Gunners, the Crewe-born defender had a loan spell at Birmingham City, playing eight times for the Championship side.

Bramall featured for Arsenal’s under-21 side in last season's EFL Trophy but was released by the Premier League side at the end of last season and spent time on trial at AFC Wimbledon, prior to signing for the U’s.

“It was hard leaving Arsenal but it was an honour to be there, because it was a level I thought I’d never reach coming out of non-league,” added Bramall.

“I’m forever grateful for being there but that’s been and gone now and I’m focused on Colchester United – I’m not focused on Arsenal.

“They’re a great club and they’re lovely people there but this is my new home.

“I’m buzzing to be here.

“The lads are happy for me and so are my family and the people around me – I just need to kick on now and get my career going.

“The club is fantastic and they’ve treated me very well over the last couple of weeks.”