GENE Kennedy has been praised for his performance after coming off the bench to play his part in Colchester United's victory at Leyton Orient.

The 18-year-old, who made his senior debut earlier this season, appeared as a 44th-minute substitute in the U's 1-0 win at Brisbane Road, replacing Cole Skuse who was forced off with a head injury.

It was the Colchester academy product's first senior appearance since he featured in their Papa John's Trophy game at Ipswich Town, last November.

And Kennedy's mature display has attracted praise from interim head coach Wayne Brown, who was impressed by what he saw.

Brown said: “When the chips are stacked against you, you have got to dig in and I thought the lads did that, not least Gene Kennedy.

“He came onto the pitch and was first class.

“We’re all about giving opportunity to our own in the game, at the football club.

“That’s how the football club is run and it’s always nice when you do it and you get success from it.

“A lot of credit has got to be given to the staff at the club as well, for producing these young kids and putting trust in them."

Gazette:

Kennedy was not the only U's youth-team product to be involved at Leyton Orient.

Colchester's under-18 captain Ryan Lowe, who played his part in the club's impressive FA Youth Cup run earlier this season, was an unused substitute for the game at Brisbane Road.

“Brilliant for Ryan," said Brown.

“He’s done exceptionally well for the 23s and he’s stepped up when he’s needed to do in that environment and this can only benefit him."

Colchester were forced into a last-minute change prior to their game against Leyton Orient after Tom Dallison was withdrawn from the starting line-up at short notice, after suffering what appeared to be a groin injury in the warm-up.

Captain Tommy Smith came into the side as a result after returning from international duty with New Zealand and produced an impressive display, at the heart of the U's defence.

Brown added: “Tommy is the ultimate pro.

“He’s been made club captain for a reason.

“He’d been on his travels last week and only arrived back on Tuesday or Wednesday.

“When called upon, he was mentally in the right frame of mind to go out there and do a fantastic job for the team."

“We’ll assess Tom (Dallison) on Tuesday to see the severity of it.

“But it’s not looking great, at the moment."