Ryan Jackson has been tipped for big things by Colchester United head coach John McGreal this season after he netted against his former club Gillingham in a friendly tonight.

Jackson, who joined the U's from the Gills earlier this summer, scored his side's consolation in their 2-1 defeat in their final warm-up game of pre-season, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

McGreal said: "Brennan (Dickenson) is a tough one to replace but we've got Jacko in who we really like and we think he's going to be a big player for us.

"You've seen in that little cameo in the final 20 minutes or so tonight what kind of player he can be for us."

Goals from Lee Martin and Josh Parker put League One side Gillingham in command, before Jackson netted for Colchester with 20 minutes remaining.

McGreal said: "We mixed the team up from the side that played against Ipswich and we got minutes into the boys.

"I think everyone now is more or less identical with the minutes they've played.

"It was a great exercise against a good Gillingham side - they set out in a similar way to us and it was a really useful exercise.

"We dominated the ball and were a little bit better and quicker.

"In the first half, we were a little bit slow in getting the ball into certain areas but the second half was a whole lot better.

"We were a bit impatient in the first half but used the ball a bit better in the second half and Jacko scored a great goal.

"We gave away two poor goals - it's great to get them out of the way now.

"We still have to work on bits in and around the final third but I was really pleased."

Colchester midfielder Doug Loft hobbled off in the second half against his former club but boss McGreal said it was only an "impact" injury after he took a knock in midfield.