PAUL Konchesky knows all about what it is like to enjoy long cup runs.

And the Colchester United under-21 assistant coach says making progress in the Essex Senior Cup should be the main aim for the club’s youngsters.

Konchesky, who joined the U’s academy staff at the beginning of the season after leaving his role in charge of West Ham United’s women’s team, played in the FA Cup Final and Europa League Final during his successful playing career which saw him play for the likes of West Ham, Liverpool, Spurs and England.

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The 42-year-old, along with U’s first-team coach Dave Huzzey, was due to take the under-21 team tonight against Walthamstow in the absence of under-21 coach Liam Bailey but the game has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and will have to be rearranged.

Nevertheless, Konchesky says progression from the fourth round is the priority for the club’s youngsters, against their Pitching In Isthmian League division north hosts.

Konchesky told the U’s YouTube channel: “I think it’s going to be a good game.

“It’s exciting and it’s a distraction away from league games and the Premier League Cup.

“It’s another game but it’s something we’ll look forward to try and progress into the next round.

“The performance is really big but to try and get into the next round is even bigger.

Gazette:

“We want to get into the next round and if that’s playing well or not playing well, it doesn’t really matter – we want to get through to the next round of this cup.

“We’re going into the Christmas period now and it’ll be a good time to finish off on a high.

“To be in the hat for the next round is what we want to do.

“It’s just another game for the players to progress and do well.”

Colchester under-21s are keen to get back to action, following the postponement of their game against Watford last Friday.

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“Playing against Leeds last Monday was a tough encounter,” added Konchesky, who is the uncle of U’s defender Frankie Terry.

“We went down to ten men and it was tough – the energy that the boys put in was phenomenal.

“It probably helps in that aspect, in that gives them another day’s rest and another day to prepare for the game.”