CAMERON James is pinching himself at the “surreal” scenario of being involved in a promotion push with Colchester United.

The 19-year-old was drafted into first-team action as a result of injuries earlier in the season – a situation he said he was not expecting.

Now, in addition to being a regular and reliable starter, he is hoping to play a key part as the play-off chasing U’s head into the “business end” of the League Two season.

They are tenth in the table, just two points outside the play-offs, heading into this afternoon’s home showdown with already-promoted Doncaster Rovers.

“I never expected this,” admitted the Chelmsford-born defender.

“If someone had said to me that I’d be in the first team by the end of the season, playing ten games in a row, I wouldn’t have believed them.

“But I’ve been chucked in and feel I’ve settled in and done well to keep my place.

“I feel I’ve improved and I’m learning all the time.

“But it’s still very surreal, especially as we prepare for the business end of the season.

“Everyone has welcomed me in.

“We’ve got a very young team but everyone looks out for each other.

“We put an arm around each other and even if someone does something wrong, they’re never made to feel bad.

“Everything is said in an upbeat way and it’s all said as encouragement, rather than personal, to try and get the best out of each other.

“We have a laugh in training but all know when to knuckle down and work hard.

“My mum and dad also come to every game and all my family have shown a lot of support, which I really appreciate.”

James is upbeat about the U’s play-off chances, especially given their excellent record at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Three of their remaining five games are at home, although in addition to Doncaster they also have to face title-challengers Plymouth Argyle.

“It’s very exciting, being two points outside the play-offs with five games to go – three of which are at home,” he said.

“As everyone knows, our home record is very good and the second-best in the division.

“Hopefully we can win any many games as possible and stay unbeaten, to give ourselves the best possible chance of making the play-offs.

“It should be a really good game this afternoon they’ll be in high spirits, having just secured promotion.

“But I still think we’ve got enough to go and win the game, then push on and make the play-offs.

“We have nothing to fear and confidence is key.

“If we can put a run together between now and the end of the season, I think we’ll get into the play-offs.

“We had a meeting and spoke about all the things we want to achieve, after the Notts County game.

“Everyone had their say and we all came together to say it’s more than do-able.

“We’ve just got to stick together. Spirits are high and we all believe we can do it.”

Colchester’s away form has been less impressive and James admits his side’s play-off chances could hinge on the outcome of their matches at Morecambe, on Monday, and Leyton Orient.

However, he said: “They’re two winnable games, as are the other three at home.

“This league is so up and down all the time. You can’t predict any of the other scores.

“We’ve just got to concentrate on ourselves, taking it one game at a time and hopefully getting the points we need.

“I certainly think we benefitted from last week’s result (a 4-0 victory against Stevenage).

“The clean sheet was massive and the first for a while.

“The attackers will have gained confidence because of the four goals and likewise us defenders, because we stopped Stevenage scoring.”