COLCHESTER United goalkeeper Sam Walker has vowed to return fitter and stronger after suffering a potentially season-ending injury.

The U’s shot-stopper will see a surgeon today, after being stretchered off with a suspected ruptured cruciate ligament injury against Reading.

Walker suffered the serious injury to his left knee in Colchester’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to the Royals in the Capital One Cup first round, on Tuesday night.

The 23-year-old is set to undergo an operation within the next seven days and is set for a prolonged period on the sidelines.

However, Walker says while he is disappointed to suffer the injury, he is determined to remain as upbeat as possible.

“I’m very focused and positive for the weeks and months to come and I’ll come back fitter and stronger than I was before,” he said. “I’d been fortunate in my career with injuries. This is my fifth season in professional football and I’ve not really missed much football.

“I was proud of my record at Colchester United but I’ve seen this kind of thing happen to team-mates and friends.

“I’m disappointed, having done everything by the book and got to the point where I felt strong and fit.

“But unfortunately, injuries are part and parcel of the game and these things happen.”