by ADAM STENNING

COLCHESTER United interim first-team boss Wayne Brown was pleased for Billy Cracknell after the teenager made his League debut in the 2-1 win over Carlisle United on Tuesday night.

The 19-year-old defender, who is a product of the club’s youth system, came on for striker Frank Nouble in the 90th minute.

He only played six minutes, but Brown was delighted for him.

He said: “I’m pleased for Billy. He’s another honest kid and one of these kids who wears his heart on his sleeve.

“He gives his all and I’m pleased for him because you’re looking around at the squad and we’ve got a few injuries. That’s not his position but we’ve asked him to go in there and plug a hole for us and he did that.

“I’m chuffed to bits for him and his attitude is spot on.

“He wants to win every header and he’s a winner and he’ll need that to make a living out of the game.”

Another product of the U’s academy who has been impressing in the first team is Junior Tchamadeu.

Since becoming the youngest player to start a game for the U’s in his debut against Grimsby Town in December 2020, Tchamadeu has gone on to make four appearances in the League, of which three have been starts.

However, the right-back was given an unfamiliar role against Carlisle.

The 17-year-old played in an advanced left-sided attacking role in the first half and Brown hailed the youngster for how he dealt with the new position.

He said: “We asked a lot of him.

“I know exactly what he’s going to give me and that’s never, ever in any doubt.

“That’s why he’s in the team.

“I did probably hang him out to dry a little bit in the fact that I played him on his wrong side in a position that he probably doesn’t really know that well.

“But I thought Smudger (Tommy Smith) helped him out down that side.

“Then in the second half, he went onto his natural right side but in terms of fitness levels, hunger, desire, playing on the front foot and wanting to do well, the kid has got a chance.”

One player who was brought into the side against Carlisle was goalkeeper Shamal George.

The 23-year-old keeper came in for the injured Dean Gerken.

It was his second consecutive start and Brown praised George for his performance.

He said: “Shamal was immense.

“It’s not easy when you’ve been on the bench for large parts of the season.

“His save (from Joe Riley) was as good as a goal for me – a big stretch, big arm, then we go up the other end and score, so I’m pleased for him.”