Clinton Morrison says he would be delighted to see the likes of Macauley Bonne emulate his achievements and make it to the very top.

And the veteran striker says it is imperative that the U’s continue to churn out talented home-grown players.

Morrison has helped fellow forwards such as Bonne and Freddie Ladapo adapt to senior football, over recent months.

And the former Republic of Ireland forward says he would like nothing more than to see the U’s starlets achieve success in the game.

Morrison said: “The youngsters have done well and they’re lucky enough that they have a manager who gives them a chance.

“Colchester needs to bring their kids through - it’s not a club blessed with a big budget and that’s the future of the club.

“The youngsters have come in and adapted and it will stand them in good stead for years to come.

“If Colchester have three or four youngsters here who go on and play at a top level, I’d be delighted - that would put a smile on my face.

“The experienced players like me, Magnus and Beano are people the youngsters should look up to.

“They will have games where it won’t work out for them and they’ll be playing against experienced people.

“If I can do it at my age, then it’s a great example to the youngsters.”

Morrison bagged his first goal of the season in the U’s 2-1 defeat at Tranmere Rovers last weekend, It was the 34-year-old’s first goal for more than eight months and the former Birmingham City and Crystal Palace has no plans to hang up his boots, just yet.

“My legs feel alright,” who has been on the bench for Colchester’s last two matches in League One.

“If the manager believes in you, you can keep playing.

“It’s not a fluke that I’ve scored as many goals as I have in my career and it’s mainly been at either been at Premier League, Championship or international level.

“You play with better players but I like it at Colchester and I want the club to do well.”

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