Kurtis Guthrie says he is looking forward to getting “back to business” for Colchester United after making his long-awaited first-team return.

The 24-year-old is hoping to get more minutes under his belt for the U’s against Gillingham in the Checkatrade Trophy tonight, after making his comeback following seven months out with an ankle injury.

Guthrie, who finished as Colchester’s joint second top scorer last season with 12 goals despite missing the final two and a half months of the campaign, says his main target will be to nail down his place in John McGreal’s attack once he is back up to full fitness.

But the former Forest Green Rovers man is under no illusions that he still has work ahead of him, as he bids to recapture his fine form of last season.

Guthrie told the Daily Gazette: “I’m just buzzing to be back and seven months is a long time.

“I had a conversation with the gaffer last Thursday and he said he wanted to get me involved against Yeovil, which obviously I’m grateful for.

“Now the hard work really begins for me – I need to get a few more minutes under my belt and hopefully I will tonight.

“My next target after that is nailing down that number one spot up front again and that’s what I’ll be gunning for, straight back to business and get the job done.

“I’m hoping to play a part in the Gillingham game and it’s a great time to get some minutes.

“Hopefully, they’ll bring a strong team so I can test myself and I’m looking forward to it.”

Guthrie admits his fitness battle has not been plain sailing since suffering the ankle injury against Hartlepool United, last February.

He said: “It’s been very tough over the last few months, I’m not going to lie.

“I have struggled and there’s been a few setbacks.

“It’s been a lot tougher than I thought and on the mental side, it’s given me a lot more insight.

“I’ve never had an injury before that’s kept me out long term so I’m going to work hard now to try and maintain that, not pick up any more injuries and to get into and stay in the team.

“I’m just thankful to be over that now and hopefully, I won’t be getting any more injuries any time soon and I can kick on and get amongst the goals and help them up the table.”

Guthrie came on as a late substitute for Brandon Hanlan in Colchester’s 1-0 win at Yeovil, last weekend, helping them secure their first away win of the season.

He added: “I’m buzzing for the boys to get the three points and pick up that first away win this season.

“It was a great way to start and we’ve got a couple of home games coming up now so hopefully we can kick on and go up the table.

“It was very important to get the clean sheet as it helps to give confidence, especially to the back four.

“It’ll give us the confidence to hopefully kick on and get a few more.”