Sam Walker says Colchester United’s FA Youth Cup fifth-round tie against Reading tonight is a chance for them to seize their moment in the limelight.

The U’s goalkeeper is a previous winner of the competition, having lifted the cup with Chelsea back in 2010.

Walker, who made his 200th appearance for Colchester in their 2-0 win over Newport, helped the Blues progress all the way to the final, where they beat Aston Villa over two legs to win the trophy.

Colchester are hoping to book a home tie with Arsenal in the quarter-finals when they take on the Royals at the Weston Homes Community Stadium (kick-off 7pm) and Walker says it would be a big achievement for them to make it into the last eight.

Walker said: “The FA Youth Cup is everything for a youth-team player and it’s the most prestigious competition that these players can take part in.

“I was fortunate enough to win it with Chelsea, in 2010.

“It’s hugely exciting and the best opportunity for these players to play in stadiums.

“It’s a real chance for you to take your moment in the limelight.

“I know the Colchester lads will be looking forward to it and hopefully, they can make it through to the quarter-finals which would be a big thing for the club.

“I know that it’s the furthest a Colchester side has got in this competition in a number of years.”