FRANKIE Terry is following in the footsteps of his famous football family members after linking up with Colchester United's first-team squad.

The teenage centre-back, who travelled with the U's squad to Cheltenham Town for their League Two clash at the weekend, is the son of former Yeovil Town and Leyton Orient midfielder Paul Terry.

And Frankie also has two famous football uncles - former Chelsea and England defender John Terry and ex-Liverpool and England full-back, Paul Konchesky.

Frankie, who is a first-year scholar at Colchester, was given the opportunity to be involved with the U's first-team squad for the first time at Cheltenham, where they conceded late on to lose 1-0.

Having trained with the first team last week, he warmed up with the rest of the squad prior to the Robins game and Colchester interim head coach Hayden Mullins said it was great experience for the young defender.

Mullins said: “Frankie trained with us (on Friday) and he did really well.

“I think it’s important with young players especially in and around the club that they get the experience of travelling and being in and around the first team.

"It's important that they see what it’s like, see the environment and having a bit of a taste of it.

“He came and he warmed up which was good for him and I’m sure it’ll be good for him, going forward."

Braintree and Witham Times:

Famous family - John Terry is Frankie Terry's uncle Picture: MICHAEL STEELE/PA WIRE

Frankie will be hoping for further opportunities with the Colchester first team, having been given his chance to be involved at the weekend.

The U's first-year scholar has featured regularly in the Professional Development League for the U's under-23s and under-18s, this season.

The former Notley High School pupil, who started a two-year scholarship at Colchester last September, has scored goals for Colchester's under-18s in their home wins against Ipswich Town and Hull City.

Frankie is the latest young Colchester academy player to gain first-team experience with the club, this season.

He follows in the footsteps of the likes of Junior Tchamadeu, Samson Tovide and Harvey Sayer in spending time with the club's senior team, in the 2021-22 campaign.

Frankie's father Paul Terry, who made more than 150 appearances for Yeovil Town during his playing career and also played for the likes of Leyton Orient and Dagenham and Redbridge.

He is the older brother of former Chelsea and England defender John Terry, who is currently working at Premier League club Aston Villa as assistant head coach.

Frankie Terry is the son of Paul Terry and Sarah Konchesky, sister of ex-West Ham United defender Paul Konchesky.