Phil Ifil has not given up hope of playing for Colchester United again.

But the out-of-favour defender has admitted he may have to rebuild his career away from the U’s.

Ifil has been told by manager Paul Lambert that he is not part of his immediate first-team plans.

The former Tottenham Hotspur full-back has made only four starts under Lambert.

Ifil, 22, is yet to feature for the first team this season and will not figure for Colchester in their Coca-Cola League One clash with Gillingham tonight.

However, Ifil insisted he is still keen to resurrect his U’s career.

He told the Gazette: “I have a year left on my contract at Colchester.

“I’m employed by the club and I like it here.

“If I get an opportunity to prove to the manager that I’m worth a place in his team, then that will happen.

“But if it isn’t here, it will have to be somewhere else.

“The season has started now and the manager has his starting XI.

“I know that I will have to work very, very hard to break into the first team here.”