JEVANI Brown has been urged to 'prove a point' after returning to Colchester United.

The skilful forward is back training with the U's ahead of the new League Two season, having spent much of the last campaign out on loan.

Brown experienced a frustrating first season at the JobServe Community Stadium and managed only five league starts for Colchester after joining them from League Two rivals Cambridge United, last summer.

The 25-year-old spent time on loan at Forest Green Rovers but has reported for the first week of pre-season training with the U's and new head coach Steve Ball says Brown will get the opportunity to impress - along with the rest of his squad.

Ball said: “Jevani is back in (training).

“He’ll tell you himself that it hasn’t gone to plan but he’s a player who has undoubted ability.

“Like anything, it’s time for these boys who maybe haven’t played, or have been out on loan or have been on the fringes to come and really prove a point, because it will be that clean slate.

“The shirts are up for grabs and it’s really important that they all know that, as well.

“Everyone has a chance to impress, that goes without saying."

Brown joined Colchester on a two-year deal from Cambridge in the summer of 2019.

He started the U's opening six league and cup games last season but found opportunities few and far after that, for John McGreal's side.

The former Peterborough United youngster has made 17 appearances for the U's but half of them were as a substitute.

Brown, a Jamaica youth international, made five appearances for Forest Green prior to the League Two season ending early due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, Ball says he is looking forward to picking his first starting line-up for Colchester, following his appointment as their new head coach.

Ball was appointed as U's boss last week, after working as assistant manager to John McGreal for four years.

“John (McGreal) was brilliant for me," added Ball.

"As much as he gave me an opinion, John was the one that picked the team so now I’ve got a position where now I can be that one and have my own ideas and thoughts on every single player who’s with us now, moving forward."