Pat Baldwin is determined to remain positive – despite facing a spell on the sidelines.

The long-serving Colchester United defender underwent scans on both his ankle and his knee yesterday, after being stretchered off at Southampton.

Baldwin landed awkwardly on his ankle while defending a corner for the U’s in the latter stages of the first half, in the 0-0 draw.

And a Saints attacker then fell on his knee, causing it to swell up.

It forced skipper Baldwin to be carried off and the scan revealed he has a slight strain of the muscle in his knee.

However, there is no ligament damage and he has vowed to return as quickly as possible.

He told the Gazette: “I went up for a header and I landed awkwardly on my ankle.

“Then one of their players landed on my leg.

“It’s frustrating but it’s not the first time that something like this has happened in my career.

“Matt Heath came in and did fantastically well and staked his claim for a place.

“But I hope to be back as soon as possible and fingers crossed it’s not too bad.”