LUKE Gambin insists Colchester United's players will relish the opportunity to take on Premier League opposition tomorrow night.

The U's travel to Selhurst Park to do battle with Crystal Palace, with a place in the third round of the Carabao Cup at stake.

It will be the first time Colchester have played top-flight opponents since locking swords with Spurs, back in January, 2016.

And they will head to South London on the back of a first league win of the season, following their 1-0 victory over Northampton Town.

Gambin said: "It'll be nice to go and play at Selhurst Park.

"We'll relish going there and playing and it'll be an enjoyable day out for the fans.

"I'm very excited about playing there and every player wants to play in a big stadium, on nice pitches and against the best players.

"I'm looking forward to it.

"We just want to give the club something good - we'll look to get a result and if not, a positive performance."

Gambin will be hoping to force his way into Colchester's starting line-up, following his impressive display off the bench against Northampton.

The 26-year-old attacker has had to make do with a place on the bench in the U's opening five league games of the season.

But after replacing Jevani Brown early in the second half against Northampton, the Malta international made a big impact.

Gambin supplied the pass to Ben Stevenson in the build-up to the hosts winning their all-important match-winning penalty.

"I want to play every game and be a part of it but you need to stay professional and when you get an opportunity to come on, take it," added Gambin.

"The games are always open here - I know that from the times I've played against Colchester and now as a Colchester player.

"It's always easy to come on and play here because of the pitch which is quite wide and big and you can attack players.

"I knew that if I got on, I'd have a couple of chances and I wanted to make an impact.

"Being an attacking player, I'm used to getting chopped and changed - that's what it's about but when you come on, you have to make an impact and play well.

"I'm here to play football and that's what I'll be looking to do.

"Everyone in the squad has got their own individual qualities but I feel like I can bring a lot to the team.

"I was happy to be out on the pitch and I thought the team did well to get the win.

"It was good for us and good for the confidence of the squad - that was the most important thing.

"We need to push on now and get some wins."