DANNY Cowley admits Colchester United need to be 'very gradual' with Samson Tovide's fitness ahead of the new League Two season.

But the U's boss believes anything is possible for the talented young striker, once he returns to full fitness.

Tovide is yet to feature for the U's in their pre-season friendlies so far, having missed more than three months of last season with an ankle injury.

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The 20-year-old returned for the final weeks of the 2023-24 campaign but his season was then cut short following a red card at Crawley Town, in April.

Speaking at the club's Open Day, boss Cowley said: "Samson is one of my favourite toys - it's just we haven't had any batteries for him in recent times!

"This is a big frustration and I feel like a child at Christmas who gets the best toy from Father Christmas and then realises there's no batteries.

"But this is only at the moment and of course, he had a pretty serious ankle injury last year which came from a contact which was no fault of anyone's.

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

"Samson being Samson put his hand up really, really early to help the team and did an amazing job at the end of the season, prior to him getting sent off at Crawley.

"Being honest, I think that sending off came because he was frustrated - he really wanted to help the team but physically, just wasn't in a position to.

"He had an injection in his ankle to try to accelerate the process and help the team, so the boy is super committed to this football club.

"I think anything is possible for Samson.

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"We're in a process now where we're being very, very gradual with his fitness - I think this is the safest way to be.

"We're still a long way away from the start of the season and we still have well over 20 days.

"For us, it's to try and move Samson forward in a really gradual and progressive way that's right for the here and now.

"In terms of what is possible, absolutely anything.

(Image: Richard Blaxall)

"I think he's a boy that's got incredible power and fight.

"I look at him every morning and rest easy, knowing he's going to be the very best he can possibly be.

"From a coach's point of view, this is really nice.

"He's going to get every last ounce of potential out of himself.

"I'm really looking forward to what the season can bring for him."