BEN Garner has described Zach Mitchell’s debut for Colchester United as the best he has ever seen.

The 18-year-old defender produced an outstanding performance after making his first U’s appearance in their 2-0 triumph over Tranmere Rovers, on Saturday.

Mitchell excelled on his Colchester bow, having joined them from League One side Charlton Athletic, on deadline day.

READ MORE: Colchester face anxious wait over Arthur Read injury

And U’s boss Garner says the promising centre-back has ‘lifted the group’ after arriving at the JobServe Community Stadium, on a season-long loan.

Garner said: “I think Zach Mitchell’s debut was as good as I’ve ever seen, at any club.

Gazette:

“I thought he was outstanding.

“I knew Zach previously and gave him his debut at Charlton, last season.

“So we knew what we were getting, in terms of character and he’s lifted the group.

“He’s as brave as a lion with and without the ball and he’s everything that I like to see in a player, in terms of courage and intensity.

READ MORE: U's trio are named in League Two Team of the Week

“Yes he will (have a fair amount of football at this rate) and that’s what we brought him in to do.

“He would have played (against Tranmere) regardless of whether Kells was fit or not – Kells would have been in the team with him.

“It’s an opportunity for him and he’s taken it.”

Mitchell was one of three players to debut for Colchester, against Tranmere.

Gazette:

Cameron McGeehan played 57 minutes after joining the U’s last week following his departure from Belgian side, KV Oostende.

McGeehan was replaced by Jay Mingi, who came off the bench to good effect on his debut following his arrival at Colchester on deadline day.

“It was great for Cam to start and those minutes will be so valuable for him,” added Garner.

READ MORE: League Two club appoint Nigel Adkins as interim boss

“It was his first game in a long, long time and he’ll be so much better for that, so it was a really strong start from him.

“Jay coming on was great, outstanding to get up to the pace of the game.

“It’s his first game since January; he’s had one week’s training and come on and done that.

“He’ll be much better for that, this week.”