Spending time on loan with Braintree Town has been an “eye-opener” for Sammie Szmodics, according to Colchester United boss Tony Humes.

Szmodics, 20, has made a big impact since joining the Vanarama National League part-timers on loan from the U’s last month, scoring twice in his first three matches for the Iron.

It is the first time that the Colchester youngster has spent time away from the Weston Homes Community Stadium, having emerged through the club’s academy ranks.

Humes believes the former Stanway School pupil is giving him a greater understanding of the “real world” of football – and says that is vital for academy players.

Humes said: “It does them a world of good.

“One criticism of the academy system is that players get very cosseted.

“They are well looked after and don’t really know what the real world is about.

“Sammie going out to train with Braintree on a part-time basis has really opened his eyes to what a lot of players have to do to earn a living during the day and playing in the evening.

“It is very good in terms of them understanding what the real world is about but it also gives them a little kick to say ‘I don’t want to drop back to that’.

“I think it makes them do their job better.

“The change of environment is very important.”

Humes has said he would be willing to allow more of his fringe players to move away on loan in the coming months, providing he does not leave his own squad short of cover.

The U’s boss hinted last week that winger Drey Wright could be allowed to leave on loan, in an attempt to get back to his best.

But Humes wants his youngsters to keep pushing for a place in his starting line-up, with four academy products starting the recent game against Coventry City and a further three on the bench.

He added: “The experience that the young players got last season allowed them to step into the team without any issue when they are needed.

“They want to stay in there because they’ve had that taste and you have that competition for places that every squad needs.

“The squad is strong and probably as strong as we’ve had it, but it’s all about performances on the pitch.

“It can look good on paper but performances determine whether it’s a good squad or not.”

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