OSCAR Thorn admits he was shocked to be named in Colchester United’s starting line-up for the first time.

But the 20-year-old says his EFL debut in the U’s 1-1 draw at Chesterfield was the ‘perfect start’ for him – and now he is ready to make his mark in the first team.

Thorn enjoyed an impressive league bow for Colchester after starting for them for the first time and provided the assist for Jack Payne’s opener, at the SMH Group Stadium.

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The right winger went onto produce a competent performance and says he enjoyed the experience.

Thorn said: “It was the perfect start for me.

“It came as a bit of a shock; we were at the hotel and the gaffer told me on the afternoon of the game.

“I was only expecting just to be on the bench, so it came as a huge bonus.

“There were nerves and excitement and I had to remind myself that this is what I’ve been working towards for my whole life really.

“I needed to get myself ready and I got out there and did what I do best, get crosses in the box and managed to get an assist.”

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

Thorn was recalled by Colchester from his loan spell at National League South side Chelmsford City last week, following a number of injuries to attacking players.

“When I was on loan, I was still training with Colchester quite a lot of the week,” said Thorn, who joined Colchester in January, 2023 after leaving Norwich City.

“I’ve been in and around the first team now since the start of pre-season so I know the boys well and they know me well and know my strengths and capabilities.

“I feel like when I got out on the pitch, the boys helped me.

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“They know how I play, the gaffer knows how I play, so the adjustment was pretty easy.

“My time at Chelmsford was so beneficial but now I’m ready to make my mark here.”

Thorn said Colchester boss Danny Cowley has been a huge influence on him since his arrival as head coach, in January.

“Danny’s helped me so, so much since coming here,” said Thorn, who signed his first professional contract at Norwich in the summer of 2021.

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

“He’s so good with the young boys and he feels if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.

“I’ve done well in training and he’s given me my opportunity.

“I’m happy I’ve been able to take it and go from there.

“He made it clear when he first came here, he got all of us 21 boys up in the meeting room and said if you’re good enough, you’re old enough and he’ll play you.

“I managed to have a good loan spell at Chelmsford and did well in training and he gave me my opportunity and I’m grateful for that.”

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Thorn is now hoping to be involved in Colchester’s home clash with Salford City on Saturday, having helped them claim a point at Chesterfield.

The U’s had to settle for a draw, after Will Grigg’s second-half strike cancelled out Payne’s opener.

Thorn added: “We came here knowing it was going to be a tough test.

“We know that they’re very good on the ball but we were so resilient in our defending.

“It was a hard-fought point but we deserved it.”