NOAH Chilvers wants to establish himself as a key player for Colchester United after kicking off the new season in their starting line-up.

The 19-year-old impressed for the U’s in their Carabao Cup tie at Reading at the weekend, after being given the nod by new boss Steve Ball.

It was Chilvers’ third senior start for Colchester, where he has played his football since the age of eight – and the talented midfielder is eager to make plenty more appearances, this season.

Chilvers said: “I’ve worked hard in the off season through the time off with the coronavirus and things like that.

“It was my goal to get into the team for the first game of the season.

“I obviously did that and now I want to kick on, keep my place and become a key player.

“We have a game against Portsmouth in the EFL Trophy and then the new league season starts on Saturday, so there’s lots to look forward to.”

Chilvers played his part in what was a spirited performance by Colchester at Reading, who were made to work hard for their 3-1 win in the first-round tie.

The U’s academy product did not look out of place against the Championship side at the Madejski Stadium, as they battled hard to cause an upset.

Colchester continue their early-season programme tonight with a trip to Portsmouth in their opening EFL Trophy Group A game, before visiting Bradford City in their League Two curtain-raiser, on Saturday.

“There were so many positives that we can take from it into the season,” added Chilvers, who made 23 appearances for Bath after initially joining them on loan from Colchester last October, scoring twice.

“We could see performances were coming out in pre-season.

“At times in pre-season, I think the play was nice up until the box and then it was stopping but (against Reading) we caused all sorts of problems, in the first half especially against a good Championship side.

“We worked a lot of crossing and shooting opportunities and that will come.

“It’s disappointing to lose any game, whether you’re playing a Premier League team, a Championship team or a lower league team.

“But when we look at the game and analyse it, there will be so many positives to take from it.”