KWAME Poku is a ‘huge talent’ with a big future in the game, according to Colchester United boss John McGreal.

But the U’s head coach says he is keen to keep their talented teenager level-headed and focused on his game, amid widespread praise for his performances.

Poku scored twice for Colchester in their 3-0 triumph at Carlisle United last weekend, with his performance earning the talented attacker a nomination for Quest’s League Two Player of the Weekend award.

The 18-year-old’s eye-catching display followed his fine solo goal and impressive performance in the U’s recent 2-1 win at Salford City.

Poku's performance earned plenty of praise, with Carlisle boss Chris Beech stating after last weekend's game that 'a lot of clubs are watching' the teenager.

McGreal has been delighted with Poku’s progression since handing the youngster his professional debut, last September.

But the U’s boss is keen to stress the importance of the former Millwall academy player keeping his feet on the ground.

McGreal said: “We have to be careful about how we talk about the boy, because he’s only 18 years of age and we don’t want to get fixated on him.

“We need him to keep away from the media spotlight and stuff at the minute and pick and choose when we can get him into that as well, because he’s a huge talent.

“We have to be really careful because we have to keep him on a level playing field and a lot of the boys do, the older pros like Frank Nouble, Ryan Jackson and Harry Pell and people like that.

“They help to keep him level-headed because he has a big future in the game – there’s no question of it.

“He still has things to learn but he’s at the right club to try and do that, there’s no question of it when you look at how he’s come on throughout the season.”

Poku scored either side of half-time at Carlisle, after playing in wide role for Colchester at Brunton Park.

“I’ve moved him from the right side to the left side and he’s dealt with it comfortably well and he can play as a ten comfortably well, too,” said McGreal.

“Credit to the team really, because you only get involved in a game if you continue to get the ball.

“The trust that they have in this young player is there to see and when he does get the ball, something more often than not tends to happen and he’s been able to do that for us.”

Poku has been nominated for Quest’s League Two Player of the Weekend award, along with Plymouth Argyle’s George Cooper and Josh Gordon of Walsall.