Sammie Szmodics said netting a late equaliser for Colchester United was the perfect way to banish his injury nightmare.

Szmodics came off the bench to mark his first U’s senior appearance for the best part of four months with a goal and earn a point for his side in their 1-1 draw, at the Abbey Stadium.

The 21-year-old had managed just 13 minutes of first-team football since early November for Colchester, having undergone surgery on the inside of his right ankle in January.

Szmodics, who also had an operation on the outside of the same ankle last season, admits it has been a frustrating time – but was delighted to mark his return to League Two action with an important goal.

Szmodics said: “It makes it all worthwhile when you come to a packed out stadium and get a point for your team – it’s a great feeling.

“It’s brilliant to come back and to mark it with a goal is fantastic.

“You do get down in the dumps when you're injured, because you’re not involved in anything.

“It’s been tough because all you want to do is play football and when you’ve just got to build up your upper body and do fitness work, it’s hard when you’re up in the stands.

“When you’re in the gym every day, you have to stay positive.

“I’ve been in that gym a good couple of hours every day doing just boring things like standing on wobbly boards and throwing the ball against a wall, just to strengthen up the ankle.

“In total, I’ve been out for a good nine months from my last op and this op combined so the strapping is just a security thing and I feel fully fit.

“I have a great family and a great girlfriend and everyone supporting me.

“I’ve been doing a lot of work with (U’s head physio) Tony Flynn and (U’s sports scientist) Stef Russo and I feel like I’m up to match pace and hopefully I showed it by nicking a goal.

“Now I just want to see if I can get back in the team and stay injury free for the last few games.”

Szmodics says Colchester still have aspirations of automatic promotion, with 11 games remaining.

The ninth-placed U’s lie three points off the top seven and seven points off the top three, in League Two.

Szmodics added: “We’re not ruling out automatic promotion – we’re pushing for the top three.

“After a performance like that, we’re disappointed not to come away with the three points.”