Alex Gilbey relished the honour to captain Colchester United during each half he was on the pitch, for the first two pre-season friendlies at Brantham and Heybridge Swifts.

Midfielder Gilbey wore the captain’s arm-band for the first half of the U’s 4-1 win at Brantham last Saturday, and the second period of the emphatic 8-0 victory at Heybridge Swifts.

Manager Joe Dunne is expected to officially name his new club captain, for the 2014-15 season, at the Essex club’s Open Day on Sunday – former skipper Brian Wilson moved to Oldham at the beginning of the summer.

Teenager Gilbey, who does not turn 20 until December, would love to one day captain the League One side, and it might not be long before he is handed the captain’s arm-band for good.

Sean Clohessy and Magnus Okuonghae have also captained the U’s during pre-season, so Dunne has several options.

“It’s been a great feeling to captain the team. You don’t really expect that, do you, especially being a young lad?” explained Gilbey.

“It’s a massive honour to captain the club, even in pre-season, and hopefully soon to come I will be the full club captain.”

Gilbey, who has graduated from the U’s Academy and already rattled up 43 senior appearances for the first team, cannot wait for the new season to start.

“I’m feeling really good after the summer. It’s good to be back and I feel sharp and eager for the season to start,” enthused Gilbey.

“Hopefully it will be an exciting season for me and the team. Personally, I just can’t wait for it.

“As for the team, the new signings have fitted in so well, the likes of Sean (Clohessy), Ben (Gordon) and Dan (Holman), who looks really sharp. I’m really excited for the club.

“All the new lads are a pleasure to be around. They join in with the banter.”

Gilbey made 39 appearances last season, having ended the previous campaign at Newport County, when he helped the Welsh club to win promotion back to the Football League via the Conference play-offs.

New he is looking to step up another gear over the coming season.

“I think that last season I showed what I can do,” continued Gilbey.

“Now it’s time to show the fans, the gaffer and myself even more what I can do, and cement my place in the midfield, and then see what happens over the years.

“We have already scored lots of goals in pre-season.

“Our finishing was unbelievable in training last season, and now we’ve got to show it during the season.

“Some of the finishing at Heybridge was exceptional. I think we have got to build on that, and do it when it matters.

“Freddie (Sears) looks very sharp. He’s a different breed, which he proved last year. “That free-kick at Heybridge (Sears’ second goal) – that is him all over!

“And new signing Dan (Holman) shoots on sight, which is something we haven’t really had over the last couple of seasons.

“When Dan sees the goal, he shoots, no matter what,” added Gilbey.