Dillon Barnes deserved the chance to make his senior debut after starting for Colchester United in their League Cup tie at Brighton and Hove Albion, according to head coach John McGreal.

The 20-year-old goalkeeper was handed his U's debut in their 4-0 defeat at the Amex Stadium last night, after first-choice shot-stopper Sam Walker was not risked because of a hand injury.

Barnes was due to make his senior debut for Colchester on the final day of last season against Rochdale but missed out on the opportunity after getting stuck in traffic on the way to the game.

But his chance came last night and although the U's conceded four times in the final 26 minutes to lose, boss McGreal said Barnes can be pleased with his display.

McGreal said: “I thought Dillon did really well.

“I know we conceded four goals but none of them were his fault.

“I thought he looked composed and assured and wanted to play out from the back.

“He also spoke to his back three and back four all of the time, so I was really pleased for him.

“He deserves it – if you think of what he’s done for the under-21s last season.

“Dillon was supposed to play in the final game of last season (against Rochdale) but didn’t and James (Bransgrove) did particularly well.

“I could have easily thrown James in but I think those two boys need to play at times and they need to taste it.

“Dillon hasn’t been able to do that but his chance came and he’s grabbed it."

Walker, who played in Colchester's League Two curtain-raiser at Hartlepool United last weekend, is carrying a slight hand injury and was not risked for the first-round tie against the Seagulls.

McGreal added: “Sam’s had a bit of a hand problem throughout the pre-season which I think he picked up at Southend.

“It’s flared up a little bit so we thought that we should be precautionary and pull him out, because we didn’t want to risk him as he’s a really important player for us this season."