Kieron Dyer expects 17-year-old midfielder Tristan Nydam - or Tristan Dyer, as he jokingly refers to him - to make his Town first-team debut before the end of the season.
The Zimbabwe-born, Colchester-raised academy product was on the bench for the first time for a competitive game at Huddersfield at the weekend, having previously come on as a sub for the senior side in the pre-season friendly at Cambridge United.
Dyer is a big fan of the first-year scholar, who he has kept a close eye on as he has progressed through the academy.
Nydam, who signed a pro deal in November, was on standby for the England U17s ahead of the European Championships last summer.
"Tristan will definitely make his debut before the end of the season,” Dyer told TWTD. "He’s been injured all over Christmas so I was surprised to see him on the bench because I don’t think he’s had much training or football.
"He’s an all-action player, he’s a completely different player to Andre Dozzell. Whereas Andre is more of a creator when he gets on the ball, Tristan is up and down the pitch, has an engine, is fast, strong, can tackle, can pass.
"I always joke and call him ‘Tristan Dyer’ because he’s quick and he’s got an engine, he can run all day. He’s definitely one to watch out for.
"He’s a humble boy, the way he plays is the way he trains, 110 per cent. He has a great attitude.
"Mick was probably never going to bring him on at Huddersfield because we were losing and the team are so fragile at the moment, but hopefully once we’re safe and there are a few games left before the end of the season, I definitely think Mick will give him a go.” Meanwhile, Barnsley wideman or striker Marley Watkins is reported to have handed in a transfer request at Oakwell. The 26-year-old is said to be interesting a number of clubs, including the Blues, who had a £1 million offer for him rebuffed in August, and Bristol City. Watkins, who previously played for Terry Butcher at Inverness Caledonian Thistle, is out of contract at the end of the season. Some Barnsley sources also claim Town are monitoring the situation of 23-year-old Tykes midfielder Josh Scowen, who is also out of contract in the summer. Scowen joined Barnsley from Wycombe Wanderers in January 2015 for a fee of £240,000.What to read next:
Former Blues forward Ben Morris, now with USL Championship side Detroit City, has suffered the third ACL injury of his career.
Assistant goalkeeper coach David Martin has revealed he is leaving the club after a year.
Forward Omari Hutchinson will be aiming to become the third Town player to win the European U21 Championship with Town when he and his teammates face Germany in the final in Bratislava, Slovakia this evening (KO 8pm, Channel 4).
He’s Here, He’s There, the book celebrating the career of Blues legend John Wark is now available for pre-order.
Chairman and CEO Mark Ashton says the Blues will be looking at recruiting a different type of player with the physical attributes required to compete in the Premier League.
Exiting Town defender Axel Tuanzebe has thanked staff and fans for a memorable two years at the club after signing for Premier League new boys Burnley yesterday.
Brentford have confirmed the appointment of former Blues loanee Keith Andrews as their new head coach.
Turkish side Besiktas are targeting former Blues loanee Jens Cajuste, TWTD understands.
Blues full-back Conor Townsend says his close friend Dara O’Shea signing a new contract which runs to the summer of 2030 shows Town’s intent ahead of the new season.
Town will play newly promoted Championship Charlton Athletic in a friendly at Colchester United’s Jobserve Community Stadium on Tuesday 29th July (KO 7.30pm).