Dominic Smith became the latest Colchester United debutant, at Walsall on Saturday.

Target man Jabo Ibehre missed the goalless draw at the Bescot Stadium due to a knee injury, which enabled summer signing Smith to be involved with the first team squad for the first time.

And the 18-year-old striker, recruited from Crewe, was rewarded with a senior debut as a 77th minute substitute against the Saddlers.

“We gave Dominic 15 minutes at the end,” explained Humes.

“We were starting to tire near the end, because all the players had put a shift in.

“We needed a little more of a presence than just Freddie (Sears) for the last 15 minutes.

“Although Dominic didn’t get in the game very much, he occupied the two centre-halves, and it was good for him.

“It was a boost for him to come on and make his league debut, and hopefully he will gain confidence from this opportunity.”

After gaining only their second point of the season, at Walsall on Saturday, the U’s now face another big test on the road, at Leyton Orient next Saturday.