DILLON Barnes is aiming to challenge for a first-team spot after penning a new three-year contract with Colchester United.

The 20-year-old goalkeeper will battle with Sam Walker and James Bransgrove to be the U's number one next season, after extending his stay at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Barnes is yet to make a senior appearance but is hoping to make the step up for Colchester when they embark on their forthcoming League Two campaign.

Barnes told the Daily Gazette: “I’m over the moon to sign the new contract.

“With it being a three-year deal, it gives me a bit of security and allows me to hopefully grow as a goalkeeper and I’m looking forward to pushing on now.

“As a footballer, it’s all about being comfortable and feeling settled.

“The competition is something that you welcome as a player.

“It’s a good thing and we’re all good friends who help each other progress.

“It’s about learning both from younger and older players.

“Sam is a very experienced keeper and he’s played the game for a while now.

“He knows what it’s about and I’ve not played a minute yet, so I’m looking to work hard and see what happens.”

Barnes, who joined Colchester last September, has impressed for their under-21 side this season under John McGreal and Steve Ball.

And now the duo have been appointed as the U’s new first-team coaching team, the former Fulham youngster is now eager to stamp his mark at senior level.

“I’ve worked with John McGreal at under-21 level and I’m looking forward to the future with him,” said Barnes, who was due to start Colchester’s final game of the season against Rochdale but missed out after getting stuck in traffic on the way to the game.

“He knows exactly what I’m about and the type of player I am.

“There’s a new first-team coach now and we’re playing in a new division in League Two, so it’s very much a fresh start for everyone.

“I’ll be working hard to see if I can get my spot and hopefully I deserve a chance.”

Barnes says he has progressed as a goalkeeper over recent months under Colchester’s experienced goalkeeper coach George (Ademola) Bankole and wants that to continue.

Barnes added: “George is a great coach and different to the other goalkeeper coaches that I’ve worked under before.

“He works you very hard and he won’t accept anything less from you.

“The main thing he wants from you is for you to go out and work hard.”