Colchester United head coach John McGreal believes there is more to come from his on-loan striker Rekeil Pyke after he impressed as a second-half substitute against Doncaster Rovers.

Pyke came off the bench for Drey Wright with 15 minutes remaining and made a positive impact in the closing stages of the U's 1-1 draw with Rovers, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

The Huddersfield Town loanee caused the visitors' defence problems and felt he should have had a penalty when he tumbled under Craig Alcock's challenge, in the area.

McGreal said: “Drey was suffering from a little bit of a knock and we felt with another game on Monday, we would throw Rekeil on.

“We know what he’s good at and that’s running up against and over people and I thought he got himself into a really good shooting opportunity.

“He turned it down but he’s still a young boy learning his trade and there’s still a lot more to come from him."

Meanwhile, McGreal says the experience of returning midfielder Doug Loft will be vital for Colchester's young side in the remaining few weeks of the season.

Loft made a long-awaited comeback as a late substitute for Tom Lapslie for the U's against Doncaster to make his first senior appearance for nearly eight months, after enduring a frustrating first campaign at Colchester which has been disrupted by Achilles and calf problems.

“Doug Loft broke down earlier on in the season," said McGreal.

“He had 45 minutes for the under-23s on Monday and I just think his experience is vital in what is still a relatively young team.

“The more experience we get in and around the squad, the better and he went in there and shored things up.

“Tom (Lapslie) has been an absolute warrior.

“He felt his groin in the first half and was struggling with his shoulder and I just wanted to give him a little bit of a respite and Doug was a ready-made replacement."