CANVEY Island teenager Bradley Hamilton was a proud man after making his senior Football League bow for Colchester United.

The versatile 19-year-old was handed his maiden first-team appearance for the U’s after coming on as a late substitute in their 4-2 win over Tranmere Rovers.

And after making his first League One appearance, Hamilton now has his sights set on securing more valuable game time.

Hamilton, who went to Castle View School in Meppel Avenue, said: “It was a proud moment for me and a day I will never forget.

“I’ve been waiting a long time for it and it’s what I wanted to do.

“I really enjoyed it and doing it in front of the Colchester fans made it even more special.

“I hope that I can now kick on from here. I’ve been in and around the first-team squad here for a while now.”

Hamilton said he nearly came on as a substitute against Huddersfield Town when Aidy Boothroyd was U’s manager.

But now he has stepped up to the first team, Hamilton is refusing to rest on his laurels.

“The hard work starts now for me and I’m hungry for more games,” the teenager added. “Hopefully, I might get another chance in our final game of the season at Notts County this weekend.”

Hamilton said he was glad to be given his big opportunity by U’s manager John Ward.

“I’m grateful to the gaffer,” said Hamilton, who can play at either centre-back, full-back or in central midfield.

“He just told me to go out and enjoy it and he put his trust in me to do the job.

“It’s always good to have a manager that likes you. That’s pleasing for me and it also helps that I’m learning from players like Karl Duguid and Kem Izzet, who have a lot of experience.”

Ward said: “He’s got a taste of it now. He went on and did what I thought he could do.

“Bradley just got on with it and he’s going to be a good player.

“He’s come through the ranks and there’s no point in having a youth policy if they don’t get a chance.”