CITY’S disjointed pre-season programme threw up few moments of note.

Mix-and-match teams against non-league opposition hardly set the scene building up to the new campaign.

But there was one stand-out flash of inspiration in an otherwise humdrum warm-up schedule.

Those who made the effort to watch a youthful City side take on Park Avenue were rewarded with a goal to savour from one of the many trialists on display that night.

Luca Colville’s 35-yard screamer not only lit up a very low-key occasion – it also fired him towards a contract with the club.

Fast forward four weeks and, with a one-year deal freshly inked, the teenager is smacking the net from outside the box again at Macclesfield Town.

It was a special way to mark his senior debut – but nothing that those in attendance at the Horsfall Stadium hadn’t seen before.

“That was a bit of a worldy goal,” recalled Colville. “Some people were joking that it came off my shin but I just thought I’d have a go and luckily it came off.

“It was a good goal, though, and everyone suddenly started to take notice of me.”

Colville seemed to be the one constant in an ever-changing pre-season. While Michael Collins rotated those around him in his varying selections, the former Huddersfield Town midfielder seemed to get a lot more game-time than most.

He added: “I played at Guiseley and got 45 minutes and thought it went all right. Then after that, I’ve had a good run of games.

“I had some positive feedback from the coaches and the players. They were quite impressed with me.

“I got a slight indication that they might offer me something but obviously I’ve continued to work hard in training.

“It’s a big squad and everybody is fighting for the shirt. Micky made it clear that everyone can play.

“I’ve just worked my hardest and tried my best to impress them and hopefully that’s what I’ve done.”

Colville, who also had a trial at Nottingham Forest towards the end of last season, has convinced Collins with his willingness to get on the ball and look for a pass. And he’s clearly not shy at having a crack at goal.

With Danny Devine facing a lay-off after minor surgery, Colville has quickly found himself propelled up the pecking order among the club’s brigade of young midfielders.

He said: “It has been a bit hectic. I signed last minute on Monday and they got me registered in time to play at Macclesfield.

“I think it had to be done before midday and I did it about 11 so it was close.

“It was a great feeling making my debut and obviously scoring. It was a shame about the result because that’s what really matters but hopefully we can put that right at Southend.

“We dominated the full game. But it’s all right doing that if you’re going to do something with the ball and be clinical.

“It was the lack of shots and our passing game that let us down. We had some chances but should have put the game to bed early.

“That’s football, we’ll learn from it and move on to the next game.”

Colville succumbed to a bout of cramp 20 minutes from the end but is pushing to stay in the squad for the clash at Roots Hall tomorrow.

“I’ve tried my very best and hopefully Micky is happy with me. I want to continue to try to get better every day and see where it takes us.”