OLAMIDE Shodipo says he is ready to step up to the plate for Colchester United – and help strengthen their promotion push.

The 20-year-old winger joined the U’s on loan from Championship side QPR on transfer deadline day but a minor hamstring injury has so far prevented him from featuring for John McGreal’s side.

However, Shodipo is now fully fit and was an unused substitute in Colchester’s 1-0 defeat at Crewe Alexandra, last weekend.

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international is now hoping he can play a part for his new club in their vital League Two clash with bottom club Barnet, this weekend.

Shodipo told the Daily Gazette: “Training this week is going to be important, after the result at Crewe.

“Everyone’s fighting for their place and hopefully, I can get into the mix, get my opportunity and take it.

“I’m just waiting for my chance for play as I’ve been out injured, so hopefully that will come soon.

“I had a slight hamstring knock that set me back a couple of weeks but I’m back now and I should be raring to go.

“I had a full week of training going into the Crewe game and no niggles so it’s all good.”

Shodipo is looking to make an impact for his new club, having found himself out of the first-team picture at Rangers this season.

He played a total of 20 times during the last campaign for both Rangers and on loan at Port Vale and is now hoping to show off his skills at Colchester.

“I’m feeling good and hopefully I can earn my place, keep it and help the team,” said Shodipo, who made his senior debut for QPR in their Championship clash with Leeds United on the opening day of last season.

“That’s my aim and I want to help us get promotion, whether it’s through the play-offs or automatic.

“I want to score goals, get assists and just improve myself.

“I just want to help Colchester as much as I can – that’s what I’ve come here to do.

“I know Brandon Comley and Cole Kpekawa from their QPR days.

“They told me that it’s a really good club with good people, so I just want to come here and do my thing.”

Shodipo, who is under contract with QPR until the summer of 2019, admits Colchester’s defeat at Crewe last weekend was tough for everyone to take.

He added: “All of the boys were gutted after the Crewe result.

“We know that we can do better than that and that we are better than that.

“But with the table the way it is you can literally pick up three points and be up there, so this league comes fast at you.”