DEAN Gerken has received recognition from the EFL following his impressive performance for Colchester United at Bradford City.

The U's goalkeeper was in fine form at Valley Parade, playing his part in helping his side claim a clean sheet in their 0-0 draw, in the League Two curtain-raiser.

Gerken made a number of fine saves in the game at the Bantams, denying the likes of Lee Novak, Kurtis Guthrie and Harry Pritchard, in the goal-less draw.

The 35-year-old started the season in style and his performance has been rewarded after he was included in the Sky Bet League Two Team of the Week.

Colchester boss Steve Ball was pleased with Gerken's display at Bradford, on the opening day.

He said: “Gerks has bought into what's going on already, trying to play out more.

“Dean has accepted that challenge and he’s got great feet.

“He made a couple of vital saves and had that vital anticipation on the near post, reading it with his experience.

“That’s why we’ve got Dean Gerken at the club, to make decisions like that."

The team consisted of three Harrogate Town players - Lloyd Kerry, Jack Muldoon and Aaron Martin - following their 4-0 win at Southend United, along with boss Simon Weaver.

Cambridge United trio Kyle Knoyle, Greg Taylor and Harrison Dunk also featured following their 3-0 triumph over Carlisle United.

Carl Winchester and Kane Wilson of Forest Green Rovers were also included, along with Nathan Smith of Port Vale.

Meanwhile, boss Ball has confirmed that winger Callum Harriott missed the U's opener at Bradford due to a hamstring injury.

The former Reading attacker missed out at Valley Parade but the U's are hoping that he will be fit to compete for a spot in the U's starting line-up against Bolton Wanderers, this weekend.

“Cal’s got a little niggle with his hamstring," added Ball.

“It’s nothing serious but we’ve just got to get him right.

“I didn’t want to risk Callum.

“He probably 60-40 could have played but at this stage of the season, that’s just no point in risking people like that."