KWAME Poku says it is a ‘dream come true’ to be playing for Colchester United – and admits breaking into John McGreal’s starting line-up so early in the season has exceeded his own expectations.

The skilful 18-year-old is still on cloud nine after making his first-ever professional league start in the U’s 3-0 victory at Swindon Town, on Tuesday night.

Poku has wasted little time in making an impression at Colchester since joining them from Isthmian League Premier outfit Worthing, at the end of the season.

The talented attacker is hoping to make his first home start for the U’s against Leyton Orient this weekend and says he is feeling on top of the world.

Poku said: “I’m happy – I’ve been waiting for this for my whole life to try and show the world what I can do, so it’s just a dream come true.

“I’m enjoying my football right now and I just want to stay in there and try and affect the team.

“I just want to keep that going, stay focused and try and be the best player every time I step onto that pitch.

“It starts with training and looking to impress there and that’s what happened.

“When I first came here, I made it my aim to try and get into the first team by November but it’s great that I’ve had the chance to impress.

“It’s good that they give you the opportunity here.

“I want to be a good part of the team so that we can push for promotion.”

Poku was named in Colchester’s starting line-up in League Two for the first time at Swindon and did not look out of place, at the County Ground.

“I was a bit nervous before the game like everyone would be,” said Poku, who spent four years in Millwall’s academy before being released.

“But when the whistle went and the game started, everything felt like normal again and you just have to do what you do.

“Playing against Gillingham and coming on against Walsall before that definitely helped me.”

After being released by Millwall, Poku spent time in the South London-based Volenti Academy, run by Bobby Bowry.

The teenager says the former U’s favourite, who is also his agent, has had a positive influence on his career.

Poku added: “I knew that Colchester give opportunities, because of Bobby playing here.

“He spoke about what the club did and how they go about things.

“Bobby is my agent but he’s more than that to me.

“He’s been my coach and everything like that and going through college he was there, so he’s been good and helpful.”