Jeffrey Monakana has admitted he is facing a double battle to regain his place in Colchester United’s starting line-up.

But on-loan Preston North End winger is hoping for an explosive return to the side when he returns.

Monakana will be forced to sit out the U’s FA Cup first-round clash with Sheffield United this weekend, as the Lilywhites do not want him cup-tied.

And although he is available for their next league game against Swindon Town, the youngster will then be ineligible for Colchester’s trip to play parent club Preston at Deepdale.

Monakana said: “It’s going to be hard to win my place back, because there are good players here.

“I’m definitely not expecting to go straight back into the team but if I do, I’ll be happy with that.

“In the games I’m out, we definitely have a strong enough team to win both of those games.

“I’ll just be hard in training to stake my claim.

“And in the games that I’m playing, hopefully I’ll play well enough to come straight back in and show what I can.”

Monakana, 20, has started six games for Colchester since joining them on loan from Preston, in September.

He started their 2-2 draw at Rotherham United last weekend but was taken off seven minutes into the second half.

The former Arsenal trainee has been a substitute or been substituted in every game he has played for the U’s and says he is striving to find extra consistency.

“Speaking to Simon Grayson, that’s the whole reason that I left Preston to get that consistency,” added Monakana, who scored on his Colchester debut in their 2-2 draw at Bradford City.

“I wasn’t starting games but when I do start games, that’s when I play my best.

“I can help the team by doing that by I’m still young and I’m still learning.

“I’m 20 and I’m still growing up.

“Consistency is definitely something I want to get more of in my game.

“When I’m playing well, I’m at a good standard and that’s the standard I want to keep.

“Consistency is key in any sport and especially as a winger.

“It’s hard to consistently beat your man or consistently score or assist.

“Once you get to that level you go on and your value rises.”

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.