DREY Wright has been backed to push on with his career after signing a new contract at Colchester United – by the man who handed him his senior debut.

Former U’s boss John Ward, who gave Wright his first-team bow as a 17-year-old back in 2012, is hoping the talented winger can go from strength to strength after agreeing a one-year deal at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Wright, who was due to be out of contract this summer, has made more than 50 league and cup appearances for the club since Ward gave him his first competitive start in a Capital One Cup tie at Yeovil Town.

The 21-year-old has recovered from two serious knee injuries and his former boss Ward believes Wright can now kick on, under new first-team coach John McGreal.

Ward told the Daily Gazette: “When I gave Drey his debut the kid showed a lot of potential and a lot of pace which in modern times is very good attribute to clubs, which you can see at the top level.

“When players pick up injuries you hope that their pace doesn’t wane but the lad is playing again now and he’s at a very good club who will allow him to push on.

“Colchester has set its stall out to promote from within – both with players and coaches - and that will always give young boys like Drey the opportunity to push on at first-team level.

“The fact that John (McGreal) and Tony (Humes) know Drey like they do will also give him the chance to push on with his career

“Some boys can be in academies where you don’t see first-team players at all but at Colchester, you always get the opportunity to push on to first-team level.

“They’ve got a reputation of giving young players a chance.”

Ward, who is currently in charge of Walsall’s under-21 side, believes Colchester have the right mindset to recover from the setback of relegation from League One.

“It’s difficult when you get relegated but there is a real positivity about the people who are in charge at Colchester and that’s important,” added Ward, who presided over more than 100 games as Colchester manager between 2010 and 2012.

“I know that John McGreal will give it his best shot next season and they will do everything they can to try and improve the football club and push it back to the level they want to be at.

“They have really good people in good positions to do that.”