Colchester United head coach John McGreal has vowed to continue to give the club’s youngsters a chance to “showcase” their talent in pre-season.

The U’s academy players have featured prominently in their first two friendlies and are expected to do so once again when McGreal’s side take on Welsh Premier League outfit Llandudno in their latest warm-up game tonight (kick-off 7pm).

Louis Dunne has a goal and an assist from Colchester’s opening two friendlies and Tariq Issa has also netted, while the likes of Charley Edge, George Brown and Eoin McKeown have also featured.

And with Luke Prosser and Kurtis Guthrie still not ready to return after injury, boss McGreal says it is an ideal chance for the U’s up-and-coming players to shine.

McGreal said: “The youngsters are on show – it’s a showcase.

“They can come and try and impress as Tariq (Issa) did (against Needham Market) and Louis (Dunne) and Charley (Edge) did at Maldon.

“It gives them an opportunity – we know where we are and we know what they’re about, so it’s ideal for them.

“It’s a different surface against Llandudno with it being a 3G pitch, so it’s one where we’re again going to have to monitor the injured boys and use the younger players like Tariq and Louis, who have both scored in our last two games.

“It gives them an opportunity to come and play.

“I know their manager Alan Morgan quite well – I used to play with him at Tranmere.

“They’ve been in and around the Europa League over the last couple of years, so it’s going to be a different test.

“It’s about getting the minutes for the injured boys and the other players are nearly up to speed.”

Colchester are hoping for a bumper turnout at their annual Open Day, on Sunday.

The U’s squad will be in attendance to meet fans at the Weston Homes Community Stadium for the popular event, which takes place between 11am and 4pm.

McGreal said: “It’s a great opportunity to meet the fans and that’s why we do it.

“The Open Day is always a big success and it’s been getting bigger and bigger year by year.

“Hopefully with our home form last year and the popularity of the boys, it’s ideal for them to touch base.”