Colchester United defender Chris Coyne has moved a step closer to fulfilling his long-term dream of playing for his country.

The Brisbane-born centre-half has been training with the 35-man Australia squad, as they prepare for their friendly with Ghana.

The Socceroos are in training ahead of their forthcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.

And Coyne, who has never before represented his country, is relishing the opportunity to play Down Under.

He said: "It's always been one of my aspirations to represent my country.

"I think it should be everyone's aspiration and pinnacle of their career and to be given the opportunity to come and train with the boys for the week and see how it goes is fantastic."

Coyne has impressed with the U's since his £350,000 move from Luton Town.

The 29-year-old former West Ham United and Dundee defender missed only four games for Geraint Williams' side after joining from the Hatters in the January transfer window.

Meanwhile, Colchester have been installed at 12-1 by some bookmakers to win League One next season.

Leeds United, who narrowly missed out on promotion to the Championship last weekend when they were beaten 1-0 by Doncaster Rovers in the League One play-off final at Wembley, have been made joint favourites to lift the title at 4-1, along with relegated Leicester City.

Peterborough United are rated as 11-1 to win the league, closely followed by the U's, Carlisle United and newly-promoted MK Dons.