Sammie Szmodics has set his sights on becoming a Colchester United regular after committing his long-term future to the club.

The Colchester-born midfielder has penned a three-and-a-half year deal with the U’s, having burst onto the scene last year.

Szmodics, who has been with the U’s since he was seven, says he is living the dream playing for his home town team.

And the 19-year-old, who returned from injury as a substitute in Colchester’s win over Fleetwood Town last weekend, is now keen to establish himself in Tony Humes’ starting line-up.

Szmodics said: “I’m happy to have signed my contract and it’s every boy’s dream to play for their home town club.

“It’s been a great 12 months for me.

“It started under Joe (Dunne) who gave me my first start last year and Tony and Richard (Hall) have trusted me from there.

“Now I want to keep pushing on this year and see how many starts I can get.

“I’m really enjoying being so involved this season.

“Thinking back to this time last season, I wouldn’t have expected being in the squad, let alone starting games and coming on.

“I want to keep getting in the team or coming on and I really want to get my first goal.

“I know it will come for me and when it does, I’m sure a lot more will follow.”

Szmodics knows that he faces a battle with the likes of Alex Gilbey, David Fox and George Moncur for a place in Colchester’s midfield.

But the former Stanway School pupil said: “Some people hide away from that but it’s much better like that.

“As everyone knows, youth team players get a chance at Colchester and Tony and Richard won’t hide away from using the young players.

“We have a lot of other good academy players in our squad - it shows that you don’t have to buy players to make a good team.”

Humes added: “I’m pleased that Sammie has signed and committed himself to the club for the next three and a half years.

“Sammie has brought a youthful enthusiasm and energy into the midfield but added to that with some quality.

“He’s a Colchester boy and with it being his home town club, he’s thriving on that opportunity.”

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.