Colchester United boss, John McGreal, has admitted that the U’s might have problems holding onto star man Sammie Szmodics next momth, after today’s 3-1 home win over Exeter City.

Although the first goal will go down as an own goal, Szmodics’ cross-cum-shot flying in off defender Troy Archibald-Henville, the U’s No. 10 bagged the other two goals via 25th minute penalty and a clinical finish on 30 minutes.

Szmodics now has nine goals in all competitions, and will be an obvious target of bigger clubs when the transfer window reopens in January.

“We might have problems holding onto Sammie (Szmodics), and one or two others as well,” admitted McGreal.

“I’m hoping that January comes and goes as quickly as possible!

“We are getting a few more different scouts to games now, from the Championship and the Premier League, looking at our young players in the team.

“These sort of players are going to attract attention, we know that.

- Match report of Colchester United’s 3-1 home win over Exeter

“I don’t know whether Sammie is claiming a hat-trick, but he’s run off with the match-ball! added McGreal.

However, after the match attacker Szmodics revealed that he would only be claiming the second and third goals.

“The first was a cross which went in off their player,” admitted Szmodics.

“But I’m happy with the two goals!”

The U’s are up to 10th in the League Two table and are now level on points with Coventry City, who currently occupy the last of the play-off places.