Tom Laps Up Captain's Role

Tom Laps Up Captain's Role

- Dan Barnes

MIDFIELDER'S MISSION

TOM Lapslie has had no choice but to grow up fast at Colchester. But meeting each new challenge head on has been all the more comfortable thanks to the influence of his long-term mentor, John McGreal, left.

The combative midfielder came into the game later than most, first joining the U’s academy at the age of 16. His professional debut arrived as a 19-year-old in a 3-1 FA Cup defeat to Cardiff in January 2015.

Last season, Lapslie made 40 appearances for Colchester and was named the club’s young player of the season.

With regular captain Luke Prosser still recovering from a knee injury sustained more than a year ago, this term the 22year-old was named as stand-in skipper.

Lapslie has been entrusted with the arm band by U’s manager McGreal, the same man who coached him through multiple age groups.