CASEY Thomas will make his Colchester United debut at Crewe in an FA Cup first round tie on Saturday.

CASEY Thomas will make his Colchester United debut at Crewe in an FA Cup first round tie on Saturday.

Attack-minded Thomas, recruited on loan from Swansea City last week, was an unused substitute for the U’s goalless draw at Tranmere Rovers last weekend.

But U’s boss John Ward revealed, during this morning’s press conference, that the 20-year-old Welshman would start at Crewe.

“Casey will go straight into the side at Crewe, on the right wing, to make his debut for us,” explained Ward.

“He has been fine this week. He’s staying in the same place as Tom Aldred, so that’s two boys the same age.

“He’s played under-21 international football, so he knows what to expect. Brendan Rodgers (Swansea manager) was happy and very keen for him to be involved in our first team.

“We couldn’t get him on the pitch last week, but we will this weekend. Brendan is happy for Casey to play in the FA Cup, which is a real boost for us, especially with Michail Antonio going back to Reading,” added Ward.