Tom Lapslie says he relished being back in Colchester United’s starting line-up after a seven-month absence.

But the combative midfielder admits his display against Wealdstone fell well short of his own high standards.

Lapslie’s appearance in the 6-2 triumph over the Stones in the FA Cup was his first U’s start since April.

The 20-year-old, whose early-season involvement was disrupted by a foot injury, was glad to be back in the fold.

But U’s academy product Lapslie gave an honest assessment of his performance - and believes he needs to improve on his showing.

Lapslie said: “I enjoyed myself out there.

“It’d been a long time but I just did what I do for the under-21s and it was just nice to be back on the pitch.

“It was a heavy pitch and not like the ones that we’re used to playing on but I enjoyed it.

“It wasn’t my finest performance, by any stretch of the imagination.

“I wasn’t over the moon with it but after any game, I’ll look at what I’ve done well and what I’ve done wrong.

“I’m perhaps more critical of myself than I should be but it’s nowhere near where I’d want to be at.

“In my next game, I have to make sure that I’m better than I was (against Wealdstone).”

Lapslie has fond memories of the FA Cup, having made his senior debut in the competition for Colchester in their third-round defeat at Cardiff City, last January.

He went on to clock up a dozen first-team appearances for the U’s, last season.

But with competition for midfield places fierce at Colchester, the youngster knows he has to be patient and keep working hard.

“I’ve had to bide my time, with Joe (Edwards) and Garvs (Owen Garvan) coming in,” added Lapslie.

“It’s strengthened the squad and I have to just work hard and keep improving.

“I’m always knocking on the manager’s door, hoping for a shout.

“But it’s up to the manager which team he picks and who he wants in his XI for the game.

“I’m not complaining and it’s his decision, so I just have to do my best when I do get the opportunity.”

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