Frankie Kent feels he is enjoying his best run of form since breaking into Colchester United’s first team.

The 21-year-old is currently in the midst of his longest spell in the U’s starting line-up, having started each of their last 11 matches in League Two where they have tasted defeat just once.

Kent, who made his Colchester senior debut in May 2014, was outstanding in their 1-1 draw with Blackpool last weekend.

He has played his part in helping the club to the verge of the play-off places and the ball-playing centre-back says he is enjoying his football.

Kent told the Daily Gazette: “I would say this is my best run of form so far.

“I think this and when I first came into the team.

“I think it helps when the team are getting results, which we’ve been doing.

“It’s one of the first times in the first team for me when we’ve been on such a good run of form and winning games of football and keeping clean sheets.

“The team has been doing well, which helps you perform better as a player.”

Kent’s excellent performances were recently rewarded in the shape of a national accolade, after he was named EFL Young Player of the Month for December.

The award has previously been won by the likes of Dele Alli, Demarai Gray and Moussa Dembele and the Colchester defender said he was thrilled to win.

“It came as a surprise,” said Kent, who recently made his 50th appearance for the U’s.

“I turned up at the training ground and saw all of the cameras and that there was something going on and for them to spring that on me was a very nice surprise.

“To win it was a big thing for me - it’s particularly special in that it’s an award that covers all of the three divisions in the EFL and it’s one you look out for.

“To win it was really good but now I need to keep it going.”

Kent has been at Colchester since joining them on a two-year scholarship at the age of 16 in 2012, having progressed through each age group of Arsenal’s academy.

The Havering-born defender says leaving the Emirates has increased his determined to succeed.

Kent added: “I think leaving a big club like Arsenal gives you a bit more hunger, because you want to get back to where you once were.

“It’s a setback when you’re released by a club like but you have to work as hard as you can.”