TOM Stagg said making his first-ever senior appearance for Colchester United was a 'proud moment'.

The 18-year-old striker came off the bench to make his first-team bow for the U's in the closing stages of their 0-0 draw at Tranmere Rovers, on Saturday.

Stagg has been in prolific form for Colchester's academy teams in Professional Development League Two, this season.

The teenager, who came on for Frank Nouble in the 83rd minute at Prenton Park, said he was delighted to make his bow.

Writing on his Twitter account, he said: 'Proud moment making my @ColU_Official professional league debut today'.

Stagg joined the Colchester academy at under-eight level from Kelvedon Hatch.

The forward, who has had loan spells at Maldon and Tiptree and Witham Town, began his scholarship with the U's in 2019.

Colchester interim head coach Hayden Mullins said: “Staggy came on and made his first professional appearance, which is fantastic for him.

“He’s scored a few goals this season in the youth team and he’s deserved that.

“It was a tough ask for him against three experienced centre-halves, the likes of big Peter Clarke when he came on.

“But it was good for him to get his first look at it."

Stagg received plenty of congratulatory messages on social media, following his professional debut.

Among the well wishers were Pitching In Isthmian League division north side Maldon and Tiptree, where he had two loan spells in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons.

Former Colchester favourite Paul Abrahams, who works alongside Wayne Brown at the Jammers, also congratulated Stagg along with former U's academy coach, Jonathan Duckett.