Colchester's Fiacre Kelleher hoping to face old club Wrexham

The popular centre-back is pushing for a start against his former club Wrexham tomorrow, having recently come back from a frustrating back problem.

Kelleher has appeared as a late substitute in each of the U’s last two games, following three months on the sidelines.

The 28-year-old is eager to contribute in the final month of the campaign, as Colchester battle to stay in the Football League.

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Kelleher said: “It’s a real relief to be back.

“It’s been a hard three months since December and it’s been a bit up and down, in terms of whether or not I was going to get back out there or not.

“For me, it’s really nice to be back involved and back amongst everybody again.

“I’m just trying to give them as much energy and everything I can.

“I feel like I have plenty of energy in the tank to make an impact.

“In the last seven to ten days, my body has started to have that normal feeling back.

“My focus is that whenever I get the chance, I’m going to make the most of it.

“I feel like when I’m up to full speed, that I can do a job and play a part.

“But really all I’m trying to do is get up to speed as quickly as I can and make sure that I’m ready to play, when they feel like I’m ready.

“The lads who are in there at the moment have been doing really well and everybody’s really upped their game.

“I’m just trying to push everybody and competition is a good thing.”

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Kelleher says U’s management duo Danny and Nicky Cowley have been hugely supportive, during his time on the sidelines.

“For whatever reason, my body has let me down a little bit, so it’s been really frustrating,” said Kelleher, who has made 30 league and cup appearances for the U's, to date.

“I feel like I’ve let myself and the club down a little bit with the amount of injuries I’ve had.

“I just want to focus on the last seven games and giving everything and whenever Nick and Dan call upon me, I’m ready and giving plenty of energy and plenty of fight.

“You’re never quite sure where you stand when new managers come in when you’re injured and I suppose they never really see the good side of you when you’re in the physio room.

“So there was a bit of angst about that but to be honest, Dan and Nick have been so good with me, just helping me get to see consultants about my back.

“One consultant wasn’t sure if I’d get back out on the pitch this season; they found me another one, I had an injection and now everything seems to be OK and pain free.

“They’ve been incredible helpful.”

Kelleher is hoping to be involved tomorrow when promotion-chasing Wrexham visit a sold-out JobServe Community Stadium.

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The former Celtic youngster said: “I’ve never seen the JobServe sold out and I’m really excited about that – I think all of the rest of the lads are.

“But regardless of whether it’s sold out or not, it’s just a massive game for us.

“To an extent we put it (the crowd) to the side and make sure that we do our job on the pitch.

“It’s about getting the focus and the detail right and making sure we live up to the expectation.

“Belief is a really important factor against this team – if we don’t believe that we’re going to win then it’s just not going to happen.

“We need to make sure we have full belief and confidence that we can take the three points."

Kelleher spent nearly a year at Wrexham between September 2020 and July, 2021.

He made 42 league appearances for the Reds, during his time in North Wales.

Kelleher added: “It’s changed a lot since I was there.

“The investment only started the year I was there.

“I had some good mates there; some boys that I played with and some that I grew up with.

“But I’ll be putting that all to one side and that can take care of itself, on Saturday.

“We just need to get the job done first."