WHEN Kane Vincent-Young weaved his way through what felt like the entire Forest Green Rovers team to score one of the finest Colchester United goals ever witnessed at the JobServe Community Stadium two years ago, it felt like a real breakthrough moment in the young defender’s career.

The enterprising full-back had already at that stage made nearly 40 first-team appearances for the U’s, having arrived from Tottenham Hotspur’s academy, in 2014.

But his wonder goal in Colchester’s first home game of the 2017-18 campaign, the first of his professional career, was a watershed moment and seemed to make people really sit up and take notice of his talent.

Since then, Vincent-Young’s has developed considerably as a player in all areas of his game.

His move to a higher-division club from the U’s is no big shock.

Indeed, perhaps the only real surprise is that he has not joined a Championship side, which had been speculated prior to the transfer window for higher-placed clubs closing earlier this month.

Vincent-Young undoubtedly deserves his opportunity to move up the ladder.

After signing a four-year deal with Ipswich Town, will now have the opportunity to flourish further and continue his progress in League One.

At 23 years old, he undoubtedly has all of the attributes to succeed in the modern game – skill, trickery, athleticism, pace, power, mental strength and versatility.

It is to Vincent-Young’s credit that he played the whole of the last campaign at Colchester out of position, yet was still one of their most consistent performers as they just missed out on reaching the League Two play-offs.

As a right-sided player, playing at left-back was not always a comfortable experience for him.

Nevertheless, it is testament to his talent that he made it look relatively easy.

Now Vincent-Young will look to nail down the right-back spot at his new club and push further on with his career.

Ambitious and intelligent, he was always a pleasure to interview during his time at Colchester and was nothing other than professional and considered when answering questions posed.

Typically humble following the confirmation of his move to Town, he has been especially keen to thank the U’s for helping him progress his career and make him the player he now is.

Vincent-Young will be a hard act to follow.

But is a great example for Colchester’s next batch of young players of what can be achieved with talent and hard work.