GEORGE Moncur deserves the chance to showcase his skills at a higher level, ahead of his anticipated Colchester United exit.

That’s the view of U’s legend Karl Duguid, who believes the skilful midfielder has earned the right for a big move after excelling at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Both Barnsley and Peterborough United have agreed terms with Moncur, who finished as Colchester's top goalscorer last season.

The U's have reportedly agreed an initial fee of £500,000 with both clubs for the player, who is yet to decide on a move.

And Duguid, who left Colchester the last time they were relegated in 2008 to join then Championship side Plymouth Argyle, believes Moncur deserves the opportunity to play higher.

Duguid told the Daily Gazette: “I don’t think anyone can begrudge him for moving to a club at a higher level, whoever that might be.

“He always did the best he could for Colchester and finished as their top goalscorer last year, in a disappointing season.

“He also scored the goal that kept the club in League One, the season before that.

“He’s done very well for the football club and I’m sure everyone will wish him all the best if he does move on.

“I think after the relegation, it was always going to be likely that he would move on.

“Like Gavin Massey and Alex Gilbey, who also looks like he’s moving on, they were part of a team that got relegated.

“But George has done well and scored goals and any midfielder who can do that is always likely to attract interest from other teams.”

Moncur joined Colchester from West Ham United in August 2014 initially on loan, before joining them on a permanent basis three months later.

The 22-year-old, who scored 14 times for the U's last season, has made nearly 100 appearances during his time at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

“Like other players, I think when he came to Colchester he saw them as a stepping stone to bigger things," added Duguid, who made more than 450 appearances for the U's during two spells with the club.

“We’ve seen it in the past with the likes of Neil Danns and I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing, because it means that they’re doing well for Colchester.”