COLCHESTER United attacker Frank Nouble admits returning to his south London roots to take on Premier League outfit Crystal Palace is an exciting prospect.

The 27-year-old will be home from home when the U’s travel to the capital city to do battle with the Eagles later this month, in the second round of the Carabao Cup.

Nouble was born fewer than six miles away from Selhurst Park in Lewisham and is relishing the prospect of pitting his wits against Roy Hodgson’s men.

He said: “It's a great tie for the club.

“It’s been a while since the club’s got past the first stage so we’re all delighted.

“For a team like us who like to play a certain style, I think our style will suit the bigger teams and the bigger clubs, going forward.

“They’re a Premier League team and we’re a League Two side so it’s exciting.

“It’s a big incentive for us to go out there and perform and show what we’re all about.

“I’m from south-east London so I won’t be travelling with the boys – I’ll be meeting them there for that game!

“I’ll have a few family members there and I’ll need tickets for sure.

“It’s a good tie and the London boys are happy in there, so looking forward to that.

“It’s weeks away and we’ve got bigger things to worry about right now like this Saturday (against Cambridge United).

“But it’s an exciting time for all of us – the fans and the players.”

Nouble played his part in helping Colchester beat Swindon Town 3-0 in their first-round tie to book a meeting with Palace, which will take place week commencing August 26.

The former Swindon loanee played a big part in the U’s second goal scored by Courtney Senior, as the club won in the League Cup for the first time since 2010 and chalked up their maiden victory of the new season.

“We’re just happy to win the game,” said Nouble.

“It was our first win of the season out of three games so hopefully we can keep that momentum going.

“We needed a win and the game was bigger for us than it was for them, I think.

“They’ve started really well and they’re second in the league.

“I think the first half summed up our season so far.

“We had some good spells but let the game get away from us a bit.

“But we stayed in the game and we know we’ve got an attacking threat.

“I think towards the end we showed that.

“We just needed to win no matter how it came.

“I’m sure the fans could feel that too and they’ve just got to stick with us which they have been.

“When Cambridge come, hopefully we can repeat the same performance and get a win.”