COLCHESTER United head coach John McGreal has revealed why Kane Vincent-Young was absent from their Carabao Cup triumph over Swindon Town.

The talented 23-year-old was not involved in the U’s 3-0 triumph over the Robins, which booked them a trip to play Premier League side Crystal Palace in the second round.

Vincent-Young had started Colchester’s opening two League Two matches of the campaign, playing at right-back against Plymouth Argyle and Port Vale.

But the former Spurs youngster did not feature against Swindon, fuelling speculation about his future at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Vincent-Young has been linked with Colchester’s League One neighbours Ipswich Town, having previously been the subject of interest from Luton Town prior to the window closing for Premier League and Championship clubs, last week.

However, boss McGreal has revealed that the defender was left out against Swindon for injury reasons.

McGreal said: “Kane stubbed his toe at the weekend so we just felt it was wise not to play him.

“Jacko (Ryan Jackson) needed game time as well so I just felt it was a like for like change.”

Colchester could appeal Cohen Bramall’s red card against Swindon, if they feel there are valid grounds for the dismissal to be overturned.

Bramall was dismissed on the hour mark of the EFL Cup tie along with Robins striker Jerry Yates, after the pair become embroiled in an altercation.

“It’s one we’ll have to see on the video,” said McGreal.

Two of Colchester’s substitutes came off the bench to score against Swindon, with both Courtney Senior and Brandon Comley on target in the closing stages of the win.

McGreal was pleased to see his changes make an impact and insists everyone in the squad will play their part, this season.

He added: “We’re going to need the players that we have at our disposal including the young boys.

“That’s where we’re at, at the moment already.

“We’re using the subs and we’re feeling as though they’re impacting the game.

“Courtney has come on and scored and set one up and Coms has come on and scored.

“That’s what we want and we felt that happened (at Plymouth) as well – we want players coming on affecting the game.

“We need all of the bodies that we’ve got, especially now that we’ve got a suspension coming up.”

Meanwhile, the FA have confirmed that Colchester assistant manager Steve Ball was sent off during their win over Swindon, along with Robins boss Richie Wellens.

The FA will study referee Charles Breakspear's report before deciding to take any further action.