Coyne, something of a surprise inclusion by Pim Verbeek during Super June, is now preparing for the new English season and United boss Geraint Williams believes the player has all the qualities to lead his team into battle.

Wiliams told Colchester United's official website: "He has been a leader on and off (the pitch) since he joined and I am sure the rest of his players will give him their full support."

Coyne himself is delighted to have been chosen for the role and said: "It is a great and obviously I will do my best for Colchester United.

"It is a position that I relish both on and off the pitch and I am happy to be the voice of the dressing room when we need to liaise with the manager.

"There are a lot of leaders in the team and that can only be a good thing. Even with the armband I won't do anything differently. I will always be a voice on the pitch as well."

The Us are looking to bounce back to the Championship this season following relegation last year.