New Colchester United recruit Dan Potts has revealed his battle with leukaemia has fuelled his desire to be a success.

The West Ham United defender - on loan at the U’s - was given the all-clear nearly three years ago following intense treatment against the illness.

Potts was diagnosed when he was 12 but got the all-clear from doctors just before his 16th birthday, having had to take time out of football.

Now the 18-year-old - son of Hammers legend Steve Potts - wants to channel all of his efforts into making a name for himself in the game.

Potts said: “It was a tough time for me.

“It’s coming up to three years now and it was a struggle.

“It’s still in the back of my mind but it’s great to be healthy.

“I try and take the positives from the situation and it’s good to know that it’s now in the past.

“It definitely makes me more determined to succeed and things like that help to keep you grounded.”

See Thursday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, including the latest thoughts of U's legend Karl Duguid in Duguid's Diary.