Teenager Frankie Kent says he is ready to answer Tony Humes’ call and make his first home start for Colchester United against Sheffield United tonight.

The 18-year-old is expected to replace Magnus Okuonghae at the heart of the defence, with the U’s skipper suspended for the Blades clash.

Kent impressed after coming on a substitute just before half-time in Colchester’s 2-0 win at Leyton Orient, last weekend.

The young centre-back is now preparing himself for a first-ever senior start at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, as the U’s go in search of back-to-back wins.

Kent said: “I’ll be ready to play and I’m thankful for the opportunity, if it comes along.

“It was massive to get that first win and hopefully, we can kick on from there.

“Confidence is really high, going into tonight’s game against Sheffield United.

“It was a bit unexpected for me to come off the bench against Leyton Orient but these things happen in football.

“I feel for Mags - I couldn’t really see from sitting on the bench whether it was a sending-off or not.

“It was brilliant coming on and playing in a hostile-like atmosphere.

“I enjoyed playing against Darius Henderson - he was so hard to keep control of.

“You know in those situations where you’re down to ten men that you have to work doubly hard.

“But as a team, I think we stopped them getting the ball up to them as much as we could.”

For more on this story and a three-page preview of Colchester's game with Sheffield United, including interviews with Tony Humes and Ben Gordon, see Tuesday's Daily Gazette.