Dominic Smith says it was a “special” moment to make his first-team debut for Colchester United.

And the young U’s striker is hoping that his appearance will be the first of many for him in League One.

Smith came on as a second-half substitute for Gavin Massey in Colchester’s 0-0 draw with Walsall, in Tony Humes’ first game in charge.

It was the 18-year-old’s first-ever Football League appearance, following his switch to the U’s earlier this summer.

And Smith, who started his career with Crewe Alexandra, is now hungry for more action with the senior squad.

Smith said: “It was really special and I’m really proud that I got on and made my first appearance.

“I was a bit nervous at first when I came on but once I got into the game, I was fine.

“I’m a laid-back person and a calm sort of guy, which I think helped.

“My aim since I came to Colchester was to break into the first team.

“It’s just the start for me and now I need to keep going and push myself to see if I can get into the starting XI.

“I’ll train with the first team and carry on going the way I am.”

Smith was one of five teenagers in the Colchester squad at Walsall, last weekend.

He said the U’s desire to blood youngsters was one of the prime factors behind his decision to join them, after leaving Crewe.

“The fact that Colchester are keen to bring young players through was probably one of the main reasons why I signed for them,” said Smith, who signed a one-year deal with the U’s in May.

“Knowing that they want to do that and that everyone will get a chance eventually was really important.

“People like Macca (Bonne), Sammie (Szmodics) and Frankie (Kent) all got a chance last year and I thought, this is the right place for me.

“The manager has taken our training a few times in the under-21s under Richard (Hall).

“He’s always been there and helped us through everything.

“It’s a massive advantage to have Richard as assistant manager, as he’s always pushed me on.

“He brought me into the first-team squad last week and I trained really well.”

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