COLCHESTER United defender Ryan Jackson says he is striving to achieve more milestones after reaching a career landmark.

The 28-year-old racked up his 300th league appearance in the U’s 3-0 victory over Cheltenham Town, last weekend.

Jackson has made 74 league appearances for Colchester, more than any other club he has played for in his career so far.

And the consistent right-back insists there is plenty more to come, after reaching a notable number.

Jackson said: “It’s a good achievement.

“Hopefully, there are lots more games to come – that’s the aim.

“I want to stay as fit and as healthy as possible and play as many games as possible.

“I still have a lot of years in me, so happy days.

“It’s gone rapid – it’s a young changing room here and it’s flown by.

“The years go by quickly anyway as any adult will tell you but it’s been good so far.”

Jackson has played his part in helping Colchester launch a promotion challenge in League Two, this season.

The former Gillingham and Newport County full-back helped John McGreal’s side move up to fourth in the table, with the win over Cheltenham.

“This is a good squad,” said Jackson, who started his career at AFC Wimbledon.

“It’s very tight knit and literally everyone gets on.

“Everyone’s working for each other and are on the same mission, buying into what the gaffer’s saying.

“The new signings have given us a little boost and that was key.

“We needed it and it’s upped everyone’s game as well.

“Training’s been bright and they’re good lads as well, so it’s a good addition.

“We’re in a good position to be in but the hard work hasn’t finished yet.

“We’ve still got a lot of games to go so we’re just going a game at a time.

“We’ve got another tough game coming up against Macclesfield this weekend but hopefully we can get another good result.”

Jackson has helped Colchester keep successive clean sheets in their last two games, something he says he takes pride in.

He added: “The main thing was to stop the goals going in which we’ve done with two clean sheets on the bounce.

“As a defender, you always take pride in those clean sheets because that’s what you get criticised for, for letting in goals.

“Credit to all of the back four and the keeper Rene, who has pulled off some good saves.

“We’re also scoring goals and we’ve got good forward players.

“We know if we keep it nice and tight at the back, the goals will come.”