KWAME Poku will benefit from his experiences of playing in the League Two play-offs with Colchester United.

That's the view of U's boss John McGreal, following the skilful teenager's eventful game against Exeter City.

Poku produced a lively display in Colchester's second-leg defeat at St James Park.

But the 18-year-old was left devastated at the end of the game after being denied superbly by Grecians goalkeeper Jonny Maxted, in the closing stages of normal time.

It was a disappointing way for Poku's impressive breakthrough season to end - but head coach McGreal feels the youngster's experiences will only stand him in good stead.

Speaking after the U's defeat against Exeter in the League Two play-off semi-finals, McGreal said: “It’s a learning experience for Kwame – he’s 18 years of age and he’s playing in play-off semi-finals at such a tender age and it shows you what type of talent he is.

“Kwame will be in those positions more often than anyone, because he’s such a bright and intelligent player.

“He broke the line from deep in midfield from the ten position and he was a threat in that area.

“The keeper has made a great save.

“Kwame is 18 years of age and we tend to forget that.

“He’s a hell of a talent and he’s had two decent games on the TV.

“He’s had opportunities to score and he hasn’t but he’ll learn from that, because more often than not, he’ll get himself into those positions."

Meanwhile, midfielder Harry Pell believes Poku was Colchester's stand-out player in their play-off semi-final second leg defeat at Exeter.

Pell admits Poku was devastated after the final whistle but the midfielder felt the teenager was the U's most impressive performer, in the 3-2 aggregate defeat.

“KP was devastated after the game but he’s 18 years old and I think he was our best player, on the day," said Pell.

Poku has enjoyed an excellent first full season, at Colchester.

After making his senior debut for them in their Leasing.com Trophy win at Gillingham last September, the former Millwall youngster has not looked back.

Poku made a total of 38 appearances for the U's in the 2019-20 campaign, scoring five times.

He scored twice in their 3-0 win at Carlisle United in the U's final game of the scheduled League Two campaign, a result which ultimately sealed their place in the play-offs.