The U's youth team ranks will be boosted by two international youngsters next season.

Last Saturday's matchday magazine bought you details of Andrew Dickey, a Northern Ireland international at U17s level and he will be joined next season by the highly rated Michael Rafter.

Michael is from south of the border though, and made his latest appearance for the Republic's U16s in a narrow 1-0 defeat against a strong German side.

The young centre forward from Glangoole in Tipperary is currently playing for Borris St Kevins FC but will be joining the U's full time in July.

Steve Downey and Marc Tracy went over to Cork to watch Michael in action and Steve was impressed with what he saw.

"He was playing against a strong and well organised German defence and played the entire ninety minutes," he told CU-FC.com.

"He is a strong lad with very good hold up play and although he didn't get on the score sheet against Germany, I'm sure he'll score goals for us.

"Both these lads were attracting the attention of Premier League clubs," continued Steve, "And we have put in a lot of hard work to secure their services for Colchester United."

It isn't just lads joining the youth team next season that are performing for their countries, the U's also have a player representing Wales in the Centre of Excellence here at Layer Road.

Tom Bender played for the Welsh U15s at the beginnning of the month against Slovakia and will be hoping for more honours before starting his final year at school in September.