Colchester United teenager Andy Walker cannot wait for next season to come around after after becoming the youngest goalkeeper in the club's history to make his Football League debut.

Walker, 17, was one of six youth teamers pitched into the U's final Division Two outing of the season at Blackpool where they unluckily went down 2-1 to an 88th minute Phil Clarkson goal.

Young Walker's big day started in the worst possible way, his first touch coming after just 30 seconds when he picked the ball out of the back of the net following Brett Ormerod's quickfire opening goal for the Tangerines.

"In a strange sort of way that goal quickly settled me down," said the Welling born former Charlton Athletic schoolboy.

"I was very nervous before the game and was hoping to keep a clean sheet, as I do before every game.

"But conceding a goal so quickly took the pressure right off me and I was able to go on and thoroughly enjoy myself.

"I'm sure the lads won't let me forget that my first touch was to pick the ball out of the back of the net - I'll get my leg pulled about that.

"The lads made me feel right at home though. Richard Wilkins at the back is a great captain and he and regular first team keeper Carl Emberson gave me so much encouragement.

"It was a great experience, an experience I could never have expected at the end of my first season at the club."

U's assistant boss Steve Whitton said: "Young Andy did very well. He didn't look like getting beaten again after that early goal."

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