Samson Tovide set to return for Colchester at Mansfield

The talented 20-year-old is back available again following a three-month lay-off due to an ankle injury and is aiming to be involved in the U's televised clash with the Stags, at the One Call Stadium (kick-off 12.30pm).

Tovide said: "It'll be a good game for me to come back into.

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"Whether I start or not, I'm just ready to go and I can't wait.

"I know it's going to be an intense game but that's what it's all about.

"It's a good place to showcase yourself and I can't wait for the game.

"Mansfield are a good team and they're top of the league but we don't fear anyone.

"There's a big ten games coming up and it's about everybody giving their everything.

"It's going to be quite tough but we've got a good group here and good people."

Tovide has not played for Colchester since injuring his ankle in their home defeat to Crawley Town, last December.

The promising striker has returned ahead of schedule from his injury and played 45 minutes for the U's in their BBC Essex Senior Cup Final defeat to Redbridge, on Tuesday night.

"It's great to be back," said Tovide, who has scored five goals for Colchester this season.

"It's been a long three months and I've put in a lot of work, while I was injured.

"I think being out has made me mentally stronger.

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"When the injury happened, I was fine walking but then I saw a specialist and had a couple of MRIs and realised I needed surgery.

"That was a big disappointment especially with the way I was playing but these things happen.

"I'm quite tough mentally.

"When you're in the gym and you see the bus leave on a Friday, it's in your head but for me, it's just about doing your work and getting it done and trying to get back as quickly as I can.

"You've just got to get your head down, focus, do it properly.

"For some people, it's quite hard to stay focused but I had people around me like Manny (Egbo) and Kells (Fiacre Kelleher) who were supporting me the whole way, even the new managers as well.

"It's quite easy when you've got good people in the team and it really helps.

"It felt really good to be out there (against Redbridge).

"It was a good game to come into; it was a cup final so I just tried to give it as much as I could for 45 minutes, which was the time I was limited to."

Tovide is yet to play under Colchester's current management team of Danny and Nicky Cowley, having suffered his injury during Matty Etherington's time in charge.

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However, the former U's academy player says the pair have been supportive throughout his rehabilitation.

Tovide added: "For me, it's another chance to impress and I know how good I can be.

"When you've got managers who support you it's really good, mentally as well.

"Them being with me the whole way through was really good for me."