Colchester United’s trip to Concord Rangers in the Essex Senior Cup tonight represents a different kind of challenge for the club’s young players.

That is the view of under-21 boss John McGreal as he prepares to take a young U’s side to take on the Beachboys, at the Aspect Arena (kick-off 7.45pm).

Colchester’s under-21s have benefited from playing regularly in the Professional Development League Two this season, against the likes of Leeds United and Birmingham City.

The U’s head into tonight’s third-round tie on their back of a superb 2-1 triumph at Elland Road, last week.

But they will face a different kind of test against their Conference South opponents, according to boss McGreal.

He said: “The Essex Senior Cup tie is the next challenge for them and it will be a different kind of experience for them.

“But they’re a good, young talented group and we get them to express themselves, both on and off the pitch.

“It’s a learning environment and we really encourage that.”

In addition to their youngsters, Colchester will also field a number of experienced players against Concord.

The likes of Marcus Bean, Ben Gordon, Craig Eastmond and Dominic Vose will all play against the Beachboys.