CAMERON Coxe has had to wait patiently for his chance to shine for Colchester United under Wayne Brown.

But now the dynamic right-back is in the U's starting line-up, he is taking his chance with both hands.

Coxe failed to start any of Brown's first seven games in interim charge, with Junior Tchamadeu preferred in the position.

However, the 23-year-old has since been selected for each of Colchester's last four matches, helping them claim five points in their last three fixtures.

And ahead of tomorrow's crucial trip to play Scunthorpe United, he is now looking to do all he can to keep his place in the side.

"Nobody likes to not play in football but you've just got to wait for a chance and obviously, I've taken it," said Coxe, who has made 28 appearances for Colchester so far, this season.

"That's what I like to do; I like to attack and help the team going forward.

"I think we've played some decent football over the last few games and it's good to get myself back in and cement my place.

"It's good to have healthy competition for places in the team because you push each other but it's nice to start games, as I'm doing well myself and I'm staying in the spot.

"I just feel a little bit more confident in myself.

"We're playing well as a team and that gives me the chance to do what I can do."

Gazette:

Coxe's recent performances have been acknowledged by Colchester's supporters.

It has not always been an easy ride at the U's for the former Cardiff City youngster following his summer move from Solihull Moors, initially on loan.

But his form of late has been appreciated by the Colchester faithful, who regularly sing his name.

He said: "I know the fans can get on our backs sometimes but they're always there for us, through thick and thin whether it's home or away.

"We need that support to keep us going throughout the season and we will pick up more points and wins, which will be better for them as well."

Gazette:

Coxe's dynamism come to the fore over recent games, with his trademark lung-busting runs up and down the right flank.

"It comes naturally to me," said Coxe, who made his loan move at Colchester permanent in the January transfer window.

"I'm just up and down the line and that's what I've always done.

"I try and bring energy and fight to the team and that's what I always try and do.

"When I was younger, I was a winger and then I've just moved back, because I can cover up and down.

"I just thought full-back was probably a perfect position - I get a lot of ball and I can show what I can do going forward, even though I'm not a winger.

"I'd love to get on the scoresheet now.

"I've not scored in a while and with the chance the other night, I thought it was in but I'll keep trying."

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Colchester are aiming to pull further away from the League Two relegation zone tomorrow.

The U's head into their game against bottom club Scunthorpe at Glanford Park sitting five points above the drop zone, with 11 matches remaining.

Coxe added: "You prepare for every game the exact same way, whether they're first in the league or they're bottom in the league.

"Football is a crazy game and anything can happen, so you have to be prepared right and have everything spot on, to get the points.

"We need to go there with the same mindset and take our chances and get the win.

"We need the win and that's what we'll be doing.

"We're a confident group but getting the win against Port Vale last weekend settled a lot of nerves and boosts the morale in the team.

"We're looking forward to the game on Saturday.

"We'd struggled to get a win at home for a while - we stuck together and put in the hard work on the training pitch and in the games as well.

"We should have probably got better results than we actually did but we've got a team that sticks together and works hard together and that's what we'll carry through, for the rest of the season.

"Hopefully, we can pick up more wins."