Colchester United defender Al-Amin Kazeem relishing first-team chance

So it's hardly surprising perhaps that the promising young Colchester United defender has had little time to reflect on his season, so far.

Since making his senior debut for the U's in early August, the talented 20-year-old left-back has been a regular starter for the club.

Kazeem has already made 17 first-team appearances for Colchester since making his impressive bow in their 1-0 Carabao Cup triumph at Ipswich Town.

But much like he plays on the pitch, he just wants to keep driving on.

Kazeem said: "It's been unbelievable.

"I just want to keep working hard, get my head down and keep giving my all for the gaffer and the team.

"It was obviously sad that Wayne Brown had to go but it was one of those things where that's football.

"That's the industry that we're in - people come in and people go out and that's just how it is.

"You can't take away from your work ethic and you have to put 100 per cent in every time you step out on that pitch and when you train.

"It's been amazing to work under the gaffer (Matt Bloomfield) and Rich (Thomas) - they've been unbelievable so far with my development.

"I only think I can get better; they give me input on everything I do and I just take that on board and put it into practice, pretty much.

"League Two is kind of how I expected it to be because I've been watching the first-team games quite a lot since I was quite young.

"After the first few games, you just kind of get used to it, especially having the experienced boys around like Chambo (Luke Chambers) and skip (Tommy Smith).

"It's one of those where they talk you through it and you get through the game.

"It's amazing having their voice, especially when you're doing the press for example.

"Just knowing that your defenders are there and knowing that you're comfortable with them, you can feel confident going to press the ball.

"You always know where they want you and show you.

"It's like having eyes in the back of your head, with them with you.

"It's a knowledge that you can tap into any time you need it and they're really nice guys as well and they help you through anything - any problems, on and off the pitch.

"I think it's one of the most underrated things, especially in football as a young lad in the first team."

Kazeem has been competing for the Colchester left-back role with Ryan Clampin, since the start of the season.

"We're both vying for the same position - we give 100 per cent and everyone wants the same thing," said the former Maldon and Tiptree loanee.

"Off the pitch, we're all friends and we're all team-mates who care about each other but you can't take the competitive side out of football."

Kazeem has shown his stamina for Colchester since breaking into the first team.

His lung-busting runs up and down the pitch have become a trademark characteristic of his developing game - and an asset to both him and the team.

Kazeem said: "As a full-back, you need to be one of the fittest in the team.

"Luckily, I'm still young - I've still got a long way to go but I'll keep working hard and giving 100 per cent."

Kazeem is hoping to help Colchester record back-to-back league wins for the first time this season when they travel to play Mansfield Town tomorrow.

The U's have had ten days between games and Kazeem feels the time they have spent on the training ground has been useful.

Kazeem added: "It's been quite beneficial for all of us to get more rhythm and learn more about the way the gaffer wants us to play.

"Our confidence hasn't really dipped because the gaffer has given us the tools to win the games.

"But I feel like after the win against Doncaster and then going toe-to-toe with a team that is in a higher division, our confidence is miles high and we're ready for the Mansfield game."