Colchester United under-23 manager Wayne Brown is hoping their recent eye-catching win over Manchester City will make the club’s academy players even hungrier to succeed.

The U’s youngsters enjoyed an impressive 2-1 victory over the Sky Blues in the Premier League Cup group game, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Brown said: “All of the other younger age groups were here to see us beat Manchester City and that gives them a little bit of inspiration.

“Hopefully, it’ll make them even hungrier to get a contract at the football club and into the building and hopefully, onto the pitch for the under-23s and then the first team.

“It’s two wins and a draw for us in the Premier League Cup competition.

“This cup competition gives us the feeling of progressing and we won’t obviously get that feeling in the league.

“It’s a different challenge for the lads.

“We’ve still got some tough games to come and we’re not getting carried away.”

Colchester’s under-23s travel to play Bristol City under-23s at SGS College this afternoon, in Professional Development League Two (kick-off 2pm).

The U’s development side have been in good form in both league and cup competitions, over recent weeks.

“When you look back over the few weeks before and after Christmas, the lads have done very well,” added Brown.

“It’s always fine margins at this level but you know what you’re going to get from these lads and one of those things is a good work ethic.”