LEWIS Kinsella says being left out of Colchester United’s starting line-up for the first time this season will only drive him on even more.

The U’s 1-1 draw at Barnet was the first time the left-back has not started a league game for John McGreal’s side since arriving on a free transfer from Aston Villa, in July.

Kinsella was dropped to the bench at The Hive in favour of Brennan Dickenson, before appearing as a second-half substitute and helping Colchester claim a point against the Bees, in their League Two clash.

But the 22-year-old has welcomed the competition for places within the U’s squad – and says finding himself out of the side will only make him even more determined to succeed at his new club.

Kinsella told the Daily Gazette: “I’m really enjoying my time at Colchester and I’ve been playing games.

“Brennan played at left-back against Barnet and did really well and it’s good to have that competition.

“That’s what I want – I want to be pushed and Brennan is a very good player.

“He can push on and hopefully help me to push on, as well.

“I’m enjoying being involved as much as I have.

“When I was on loan at Kidderminster, I played 14 games on the bounce.

“I haven’t got to that yet but maybe by Christmas, we’ll see!

“I feel good, fit and strong – I just want to play as many games as I can and at 22, I’m still a young lad.

“It’s always hard to come on as a sub, because those who are on the pitch are already going.

“You have to try and stay warm on the sideline and then when you come on, make sure you adjust to the pace.

“But that’s what you’re there to do – you have to come on and try and make an impact and if you do, you’ve done well.”

Colchester head into their home match against Accrington Stanley this weekend lying in sixth place, four points off early League Two leaders, Plymouth Argyle.

“We’ll go into our game against Accrington on Saturday hopefully flying,” said former Arsenal trainee Kinsella.

“Barnet is a hard place to go and we’ve done well to get a point, so let’s keep an unbeaten run going.

“We’ve got a good squad and we’ve shown that we can do well away from home.

“If we can keep that going I’m sure we can dominate at home, which teams will find a hard place to come to.”