Rekeil Pyke has only started one game, but he has seen enough to rate Colchester United’s chances of making the end-of-season play-offs.

And if the U’s achieve their aim, of finishing in the top seven, then Pyke’s loan spell from Huddersfield Town will be extended beyond the end of the regular campaign, to include the play-off fixtures.

Pyke relished every moment of his first-ever start in the Football League, playing alongside Chris Porter in a two-pronged attack during Tuesday night’s 2-0 home win over Mansfield.

The 19-year-old did start one game for Wrexham, during a loan stint at the Welsh club earlier in the season – a 1-0 defeat at title favourites Lincoln City – but Tuesday was a step up in class.

And he loved playing alongside experienced front-man Porter – the 33-year-old has plundered 11 goals this season, despite a few injuries, having made his own League debut almost exactly 14 years ago.

“Ports is a player I can look up to and learn from,” enthused Pyke.

“He organises well, and he tells me what I can do better. He gives me good advice in the ways I can anticipate his flicks.

“Ports can win most things in the air, and I can link up play.

“But I’m a strong and powerful striker myself, so I can take people on.

“I’ve had my first start, and now I want my first Football League goal. That’s what every footballer wants.

“Hopefully we can get the win at Crew this weekend and I can get my first goal.”

Pyke made four substitute appearances, before making his first start, and he has noticed a big difference between League Two and the National League.

Pyke said: “The National League is a real eye-opener. It’s a different kind of standard.

“It’s more brutal, whereas here at Colchester they play more football, and the Championship is another step up as well.

“I really enjoyed Tuesday night, and we achieved our main aim of getting the win.

“I had waited quite a while for my first start, but I’m hoping to get many more starts now during the rest of the season. Going for promotion is a big thing. I think we will be right in the mix, if we can get a few more wins.”