Colchester United head coach John McGreal says teenager Cameron James produced a "wonderful" performance on his first-ever senior start.

The 19-year-old academy product put in an excellent display to help the U's beat Wycombe Wanderers 1-0 and move into the League Two play-off places.

James performed well up against Wycombe powerhouse Adebayo Akinfenwa, earning praise from his manager.

McGreal said: “Cameron has done that and he’s deserved it with his performances of this season and last with the under-23s.

“I knew what we would get from him and he’s put in that wonderful performance against the highest-profile player you can get in the EFL (Adebayo Akinfenwa)."

James was the latest in a long line of Colchester academy players to make a first-team start for the club and boss McGreal says he has no hesitation in giving them their chance, at EFL level.

“I’ve got no worries at all with these young lads at this football club," said McGreal.

“We’ve got great kids that can go in maybe one or two at a time and fit in.

“Not only can these (academy) boys battle hard but they can actually play as well.

“We’re in division two and we know what we’ve got – we know when we throw players in like Cameron they’ll do a good job and he’s done a superb one."