Colchester United goalkeeper coach Ademola Bankole feels Mark Cousins has what it takes to mount a serious challenge to first-choice Ben Williams next season.

Cousins has committed his future to the U's after penning a two-year deal last week.

Having played in Colchester's opening 12 games last season, the 24-year-old lost his starting place to Williams.

And despite appearing in a further four matches later on in the campaign, Cousins had to be content with a place on the bench for the majority of the season.

However, the former Colchester trainee is once again ready to do battle with Williams to be the U's number one for the forthcoming campaign.

And Bankole feels Cousins has shown continuous improvement as a goalkeeper.

Bankole said: "Mark is doing well - he wants to be the number one goalkeeper but he is also keen to learn.

"He has the right attitude and that can be the difference - if you are willing to work hard, the sky is the limit for you.

"Mark is still learning his trade and he is less experienced and has played fewer games than Ben.

"But the more games that you play, the better you become."

See Thursday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news.