Kane Vincent-Young's consistent form this season played a big part in Cole Kpekawa's failure to establish himself at Colchester United, according to head coach John McGreal.

Kpekawa departed the Weston Homes Community Stadium earlier this month, after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.

It marked the end of a frustrating nine-month spell at the U's for the 21-year-old, who managed just four league starts for the League Two outfit.

The left-sided defender found himself on the sidelines for much of his spell at Colchester, following his arrival from Barnsley last summer.

And boss McGreal says Vincent-Young's performances on the left of the Colchester defence played their part in restricting Kpekawa's opportunities in the starting line-up.

McGreal said: “It just worked out how it worked out.

“Cole had a couple of opportunities when there were injuries but things just didn’t work out for him.

“He came here with a big reputation and a big fee on his head, when he went to Barnsley.

“It didn’t work there and it didn’t work here but we wish him good luck for the future.

“Kane was a huge factor, because his performances this season have been outstanding.

“We’ve tried to play a three at times but then Ryan Inniss came in and we pushed Frankie (Kent) to the left hand side."