CHARLIE Owens is setting his sights on game time during his loan spell at Colchester United.

The 24-year-old midfielder made his debut for the U's at Stockport County last weekend, after joining them from QPR until January.

Owens' substitute appearance at Edgeley Park was his first competitive action for nearly three years.

The Northern Ireland under-21 international has battled back from a serious knee injury and after linking up with Colchester, he now he wants to make up for lost time.

Owens told Col U TV: "I just want to get as many minutes as I can.

"I've been out injured for a long time, so I'm just getting back into it.

"I feel back where I was before I got injured so I just want to start my career basically."

Gazette:

Owens has been at QPR since 2017, since he joined them from Spurs' academy.

He has made three appearances for Rangers, all of which have come in the Carabao Cup.

Owen signed a new one-year deal with the Championship club in June, after becoming a regular for Rangers’ B Team and under-23s during the second half of last season.

"QPR have been great," said Owens.

"They've put so much faith in me - they didn't have to give me more contracts while I was injured.

"I just want to get back and prove them right."

Gazette:

Owens' switch to Colchester is his second loan move away from QPR.

He also spent time on loan at Wycombe Wanderers in the 2018-19 season, making two appearances for the Chairboys.

Owens said: "It was a great experience.

"I didn't play much but to be in a men's environment helped me grow up so much.

"To experience first-team football and train with the first team definitely helped me."

Owens, who netted in Colchester's under-21 game against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday, says he can bring a range of qualities within his game.

He added: "I try and get on the ball and show my range of passes.

"I can play in behind and I can play short as well.

"I love a tackle and get stuck in and hopefully get a few goals as well."

Colchester boss Wayne Brown admits Owens needs to build his fitness up - but believes the midfielder will be a very good addition to the squad.

Brown said: “Charlie comes in from QPR and he gives us quality.

“His fitness levels need to improve and he’s not played many 90 minutes in pre-season.

“That will come with game time and we need to get him up to speed.

“But I think he’ll be a very good addition for us and he will give us that quality."