BOWERS & Pitsea boss Rob Small admits he is ‘privileged to be trusted’ with helping to develop some of Colchester United’s exciting youngsters.

Less than two weeks after acquiring goalkeeper Callum Coulter on a temporary basis, Bowers have signed Ollie Sims on a 28-day loan deal.

And, having handed Sims his Bowers debut in the 4-0 defeat to Horsham at the weekend, Small is keen for the 18-year-old to impress in tonight’s Isthmian Premier League clash with Bishop’s Stortford.

“Ollie is regarded very highly at Colchester so we are privileged to be trusted to take him on loan,” said Small.

“He played in Colchester’s Premier League Cup game a couple of days earlier, so it wouldn’t have been right for me to throw him straight into the starting line-up.

“Ollie needs to adjust to non-league football because the pace of the game is definitely different to what he will be used to at under-23 level.

“This loan deal is something we are quite excited about and Ollie adds another dimension to our play going forward.

“We have signed Ollie on a 28-day loan and we will see how he goes before having another conversation with Colchester.”

Sims is a regular in Colchester’s under-23 side.

And Small believes the teenager will excite the Bowers supporters during his stint at the Len Salmon Stadium.

“Ollie offers versatility because he is comfortable as a winger or striker,” added Small, who could hand Sims his home debut tonight.

“He can beat a player and is very confident and fit.

“If he has the right attitude during his stay with us then he will hopefully get a lot out of the loan deal.”

Bowers will welcome Bishop’s Stortford to the Len Salmon Stadium following a 4-0 defeat to Isthmian Premier League leaders Horsham.

The loss saw Bowers drop to second-from-bottom in the standings and Small is eager to recover.

“We want to bounce back from the result at Horsham,” admitted Small.

“It was a miserable day and it was the only time this season where we have been well beaten.

“I was really impressed with Horsham and it was a bit of a lesson for us.

“It’s disappointing to think that but we are finding our feet in this division.

“Hopefully we can put in a good performance but we know they have good players like Jamie Cureton.”