Colchester United defender Josh Thompson says he is looking forward to enjoying his football again after finally ending his injury nightmare.

The 23-year-old pulled on a U’s shirt for the first time in more than ten months in their 4-1 pre-season friendly win over Brantham Athletic, on Saturday.

Thompson has battled back from a troublesome ankle injury which left him sidelined for almost the whole of last season.

And after successfully completing 45 minutes against Brantham, the U’s centre-back says he is glad to be back in the fold.

Thompson said: “I’m just looking forward to enjoying my football again, because I didn’t really have that last year."

For more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, including a match report, pictures and reaction to the U's game with Brantham Athletic, see Monday's Daily Gazette.