AN absolute credit.

That was how Colchester United head coach Steve Ball described teenager Junior Tchamadeu, following his competent debut display against Grimsby Town.

The 16-year-old defender was elevated into the U's starting line-up for their game against the Mariners and did not disappoint, in his side's 2-1 win.

Tchamadeu, who joined Colchester from Charlton Athletic earlier this year, celebrates his 17th birthday later this month.

And boss Ball says the right-back, who became the youngest-ever player ever to start for the U's, performed well.

Ball said: “I’m delighted with Junior.

“He came on our radar from Charlton and he’s been exceptional in training.

“I’m not going to be scared to put the kids in.

“I could have possibly gone a different way with some experienced boys but I went that way and he was an absolute credit.

“It was so great to see him out there.

“He was so nervous before the game and I didn’t name the team on purpose (on Friday) but the only problem is that I didn’t sleep, even if Junior probably did!

“I just thought ‘what’s the best thing for a 16-year-old boy? To sit at home the night before knowing he’s going to play or to not know’.

“He was shocked at the start of the game when I told him but I thought he was a credit."

Ball said Tchamadeu reminds him of Ryan Jackson, who made nearly 150 appearances for the U's over three seasons before leaving at the end of last season and joining Gillingham.

“He’s a 16 year old in what seems a 20-year-old body and that’s the modern player," said Ball.

“He reminds me a lot of Ryan Jackson, who was a great player for us – he’s got similar traits.

“I’m so happy for him.”

Ball has now handed senior debuts to six academy players since taking over from John McGreal as Colchester boss, this summer.

Marley Marshall, Sammie McLeod, Miquel Scarlett, Harvey Sayer and Samson Tovide have also made their senior bows for the U's, this season.

“There have been five or six players now who have made debuts and I’ll keep doing it," added the U's boss.

“I’ve thought that from day one of getting the job here and John (McGreal) did it as well, and Tony Humes and Joe Dunne before him.

“I’m going to carry on doing it and it’s important for our club – that’s who we are."