Colchester United keeper Sam Walker, although reluctant to single out individuals, has reserved special praise for his team-mate Drey Wright following Saturday’s 2-0 home victory over Mansfield Town.

East Anglian Daily Times: U's keeper Sam WalkerU's keeper Sam Walker (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

Walker celebrated his second successive clean-sheet in the league, and in fact only his second shut-out of the season, following the impressive win over the Stags.

The ex-Chelsea trainee, who turned 26 earlier this month, recognised the solidity of the team ahead of him, and in particular attack-minded Drey Wright, who reined in those natural attacking instincts to fill a left wing-back role for much of the afternoon.

Wright began the game as an out-and-out right winger, but ended it in a defensive role following left-back Kane Vincent-Young’s early injury and the introduction of substitute Tom Eastman as a third centre-half, plus Kyel Reid’s substitution early in the second period.

“We looked strong throughout the team, and solid as a unit,” enthused Walker. “I don’t like to single out anyone, but Drey Wright was excellent for us again. He did a lot of defensive work.

“I thought he was outstanding. He ended up doing that role at left wing-back, which is not his natural position.

“It was a little bit foreign to him, but I thought defensively in particular he was fantastic,” added Walker.

U’s Academy product Wright has certainly proved his versatility since making his first-team debut back in August, 2012.

Still only aged 22, Wright has operated as a right winger, left winger, striker, attacking midfielder, and wing-back, among his many roles during his 114 senior games to date.

Keeper Walker, meanwhile, who chalked up his 179th game in a U’s shirt against Mansfield, is looking forward to the Essex club continuing their progress up the League Two table. They are now up to 15th spot, and only six points adrift of the play-off zone.

“I felt we were in control throughout, against Mansfield, as we were at Yeovil last week,” said Walker, with reference to the 1-0 win at Huish Park.

“It’s a big month ahead, and we can really take advantage of that, with further home games to come against Carlisle (this Saturday) and Crewe (end of the month).

“We are moving in the right direction I believe.”