ZACH Mitchell says his loan spell at Colchester United could not have gone any better.

The 18-year-old defender has been in impressive form for the U’s since joining them from League One side Charlton Athletic, on deadline day.

Mitchell has shown maturity beyond his years for Colchester since arriving from the League One club, having made 11 league starts for them and 14 appearances in total for the club so far.

And the young centre-back says he is enjoying his time at the JobServe Community Stadium.

READ MORE: Colchester set to hold head coach talks next week

Mitchell said: “I couldn’t really have asked for a better loan, to be honest.

“There’s been a few changes recently but on a personal note, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being here so far.

“I’ve been welcomed into the group and I’m gaining experience game by game, so I couldn’t have asked for more.”

Mitchell has played his part in Colchester’s improved recent form, which has seen them win three successive league games.

Gazette:

The teenage defender made two excellent challenges in his own penalty area in the latter stages of their 3-1 win over Swindon Town on Tuesday night, which helped pave the way for another U’s victory.

Colchester can move as high as 11th in League Two with a win over Sutton United tomorrow if other results go their way and Mitchell says the unity within the squad has helped them turn their fortunes around.

“We’ve definitely felt a shift in the group,” said Mitchell, who has made 11 senior appearances for Charlton to date.

“Before we were perhaps putting in some good performances but weren’t getting the results but in the last three games, you’ve definitely seen that there’s a real togetherness in the group and a real belief that we can see out games and get back into games.

READ MORE: Colchester United duo called up for international duty

“There’s a really positive feel around the group.

“I think we probably were unfortunate at times and then you have that game where maybe you have that bit of luck like maybe Grimsby or Accrington where you make a few blocks and it just goes your way.

“That’s helped our momentum carry on.

“It’s a mentality thing; if you keep on pushing and keep on trying, you’re going to get opportunities especially with the attacking threat that we hold but then again, you’ve got to say ‘are we starting games well enough and are we doing enough to prevent those early goals from other teams?’ and perhaps that’s something we can look at.

Gazette:

“I think you have to accept that with the style that we play, we are going to concede chances but it’s those easy goals given away that we need to eradicate.

“It’s about knowing when’s the best time to play out and when’s the best time to perhaps clear from danger.

“It’s always nice to have input from the coaches but at the end of the day, it’s going to be the 11 players on the pitch that are going to need to do the job, so it’s definitely important that we get together as players and take some initiative with what we’re doing.”

READ MORE: Fiacre Kelleher set to return to boost U's ahead of Sutton clash

Mitchell scored the first goal of his professional career last month when he netted for Colchester in their 3-2 win at Grimsby Town, last month.

He doubled his tally with a late header in the U’s 3-2 defeat at Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup earlier this month and says he would like to add more goals to his account.

He added: “I feel like sometimes, I can be a threat in the box.

“That’s another part of the game that I’d like to add.”