Colchester United forward Sammie Szmodics says he is as hungry for goals in pre-season as he is during the league campaign.

The 22-year-old, who finished as the U’s top scorer last time around, has hit the net in each of the club’s opening two friendlies, as they build up to the big kick-off in League Two.

Szmodics was on target in Colchester’s 5-0 midweek triumph at Braintree Town, where he spent time on loan playing under Danny Cowley during the 2015-16 season.

And the former Stanway School pupil, who also netted in the U’s 4-1 triumph at Bostik League division north side Maldon and Tiptree, says his appetite for hitting the net is not just restricted to big games.

Szmodics told the Daily Gazette: “I’ve two goals in two games now and I play any pre-season friendly like I do in the league.

“I feel good - I’ve had a good off season and a good pre-season so far.

“Any forward player wants to score goals and I got on the scoresheet against Braintree, along with Mika Mandron and Frank Nouble.

“Any goals you score are a massive positive.

“The teams are still mixed but we’re playing through our units and we’re playing as a team.”

Szmodics is currently at Colchester’s pre-season training camp in Cheshire, with the rest of John McGreal’s squad.

The U’s will spend four days at the Carden Park location and their trip will include a match against Northern Premier League outfit Colwyn Bay, tomorrow night.

Szmodics added: “We’re away in Cheshire where the hard work continues.

“It’s brilliant – we’ve been there for the last two or three years so we all know what to expect.

“With the new lads coming in we’ve got some characters, so it’s a good group.”