Gavin Massey heads back to a club that helped kick-start his professional career tomorrow.

The Colchester United midfielder, just back from injury, is set for a spot on the bench when the U’s travel to Wealdstone, in the FA Cup.

And he believes a positive mindset will be vital if his side are to avoid a potential banana skin against the National League South outfit.

Massey spent a month on loan there in 2011, when he was trying to make the grade with previous club Watford.

And although it was only a brief stay, he says the experience gave him a grounding that has stood him in good stead ever since.

“I remember we (Watford) had just been knockout of the FA Youth Cup,” said the 23-year-old.

“The manager told me I needed to go out on loan, to find out what men’s football was like.

“I wasn’t in or around the first team and had to go out to get my football and earn the right to play.

“It wasn’t always nice, but it helped me massively and I appreciate the time I had there.

“I remember going there on the first day and forgetting my towel, because you had to take your our kit.

“It was an eye-opener and made me realise that if I wanted to play at a higher level, I’d have to put in the work.

“I respect them and believe my time there helped me become the player I am today.

“There was no messing around and now that I’m a professional, I know that when I cross that line I have to fight for my place.

“You have to die for the club, because you’ve got to put food on the table for your family.”

Massey knows Wealdstone will be fired up for tomorrow’s first-round tie, but believes an early goal would rock the Grosvenor Vale side.

“They’ve got nothing to lose,” he said.

“They’ll do everything possible to upset us, but we know an early goal would deflate them.

“If we can get one, we’ll kick on and be fine.

“The rest of the game will take care of itself, just as did in last year’s tie at Gosport.

“The changing rooms will be tight, the showers might not work and their fans will do everything they can to help their team cause an upset.

“All those little things get into your head, but as long as we’ve got a positive mindset we’ll be fine.”

For full coverage of the U's game with Wealdstone, see the Daily Gazette.