Tom Lapslie insists he is ready to battle for a regular midfield starting role at Colchester United next season.

The U’s teenager will be one of a number of players targeting a spot in Tony Humes’ starting line-up, in the 2015-16 campaign.

Humes is in talks with three potential new signings, as he looks to beef up his squad for another year in League One.

But Lapslie is hoping to build on his breakthrough season in the Colchester first team, where he made 12 appearances.

And the tenacious midfielder told the Daily Gazette that he is ready to scrap for a regular place in the U’s side.

Lapslie said: “There will be a lot of competition for places in the midfield of the park, next season.

“I hope that the manager strengthens in the summer, because that’s good for the team.

“The more players competing for one position, the better it is and we’ll see what happens in pre-season.

“You have to make sure that you go into the summer with the right frame of mind and I’m still as hungry as ever.

“After I have a full pre-season, I’ll be back fully fit.

“It’s hard but I have to crack on and I want to come back as fit as I possibly can be.”

Lapslie’ performances for Colchester last season were rewarded in the shape of a new three-year deal.

“I knew my contract was up at the end of the season,” said the U’s academy product.

“The manager pulled me aside after I got injured against Bristol City and told me that they’d be offering me a new deal, which was a big boost.

“Looking back, he did that so that I didn’t try and rush back from my injury.

“I was delighted to sign for the club for a further three years.

“I guess for a 19-year-old to get a contract as long as that is pretty rare in football.

“But it’s what the club want to do, to bring young players through - that gives motivation to the other young players hoping to push on.

“It’s very motivating to know that we have a manager who’s prepared to put you in if you do well for the under-21s or in training.”

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.