Kane Vincent-Young had not even played a senior match, before the start of this season.

But now Colchester United’s talented teenage full-back has become a regular in Tony Humes’ starting XI, and he shows no signs of letting up.

Ex-Tottenham Academy product Vincent-Young, who was released from White Hart Lane in the summer of 2014, has featured in all of the U’s first eight league games of this term.

The level-headed 19-year-old has been a revelation, both as a right-back and left-back, but he is not going to get complacent.

“I’m happy that I’m playing regularly, but I know that I have to keep working hard,” said Vincent-Young.

“It’s extremely competitive, so you can’t afford to be complacent. I have to work hard every day and give my best on match-day.”

A seven-point haul, from the U’s last three matches, has seen the Essex club propel themselves out of the relegation zone and into the safety of mid-table.

League leaders Gillingham were beaten 2-1 last weekend, and now the U’s have another tough test at 10th-placed Swindon this Saturday.

“On our day, we can beat anyone,” insisted Vincent-Young.

“We have the players, and we have the ability, as we showed against Gillingham.

“Last week was a massive one for us, and we have done well to recover from our slow start to the season.

“But we are not getting carried away. We must keep our feet on the ground, and get ready for another hard game at Swindon.”

Vincent-Young was quick to praise the contribution of new keeper, Jamie Jones, after the Preston loanee saved Cody McDonald’s penalty, to seal the 2-1 win over Gillingham, just four days after saving a late penalty to secure a 3-2 victory at Sheffield United.

“Unbelievable! I genuinely thought that he was going to save the penalty, so it was just a matter of getting the rebound,” said Vincent-Young.

“He’s come in and been terrific, so we are really grateful to have him. I thought he was going to save it (Gillingham penalty), because of what he did at Sheffield. He’s also got that presence about him.”