One of the few positives to come out of Colchester United’s dismal 2-1 home defeat to relegation rivals Tranmere Rovers last weekend, was the cameo role of League debutant Alex Wynter.

Crystal Palace loanee Wynter was introduced as a 69th minute substitute, to shore up the U’s defence in the right-back position.

It was the 20-year-old’s first League appearance, after previous outings in non-league at loan clubs Eastbourne Borough and Sutton United, but he showed no nerves and delivered a calm display.

Furthermore, although he has only been with the Essex club for a fortnight, he is convinced that the U’s can escape relegation during the remainder of the season.

“Making my League debut was a silver lining, but I’d rather the team had got three points from last Saturday, because of the situation we are in at the moment,” explained Wynter.

“I didn’t really expect to come on, with the team 2-1 down. I thought maybe we would go for more of an attacking option.

“But the gaffer just said – ‘get ready, you are coming on.’

“It was a good test, coming on as a right-back, because I thought (Jean-Louis) Akpa Akpro (on the left wing) was Tranmere’s best player on the pitch. I liked playing against him.

“I understand the situation we are in, but at the same time we know we are good enough to get out of it. We believe in ourselves, that we can get out of this situation.

“The mental side is such a big part of the game now, it’s not easy. You have got to stay strong.

“Nerves can get the better of you, so it’s key to be prepared. I feel like I’m quite composed. I don’t take risks, and I think I deal with nerves quite well.

“I’ve come to Colchester to get experience, for the future, and this will stand in me in good stead.

“I’m sure we will get out of this tricky situation.”

The U’s are away at basement dwellers Stevenage on Saturday.