COLCHESTER United goalkeeper Ethan Ross says he is determined to make the most of his new-found opportunity after making his Football League debut.

The 22-year-old is set to finish the campaign as the U’s first-choice keeper, following Dillon Barnes’ dismissal in the 1-1 draw at Yeovil Town on Easter Monday.

Ross, who replaced Barnes between the sticks early in the second half at Huish Park following Barnes’ red card, has had to wait patiently for his chance at Colchester after joining them last summer, following his release by West Brom.

But now that opportunity has arisen, the former Maidstone United loanee is relishing the chance to shine.

Ross said: “I’ve been waiting a long time for it.

“It’s not the exact circumstances I wanted it to happen in but that’s part of being a goalkeeper.

“You wait all season for an opportunity and when it comes you have to come on and do your job.

“I didn’t see what happened (with Dillon Barnes) after the goal but I saw the red card.

“It’s one of those things that can happen in football and you always have to be ready as a goalie.

“I’ve been prepared and ready all season for circumstances where someone is injured or gets sent off or whatever.”

Ross is in line to make his Colchester home debut in their key clash with MK Dons, on Saturday.

He said: “It’ll be a massive game and it’s one that I’m looking forward to being a part of.

“There’ll be a great crowd there and it’s a top of the table clash, so it’ll be excellent.”

Tom Eastman rescued a point for Colchester at Yeovil, cancelling out Jake Gray’s strike earlier in the second half for the hosts.

The draw leaves the U’s two points off the play-off places in League Two, with two games remaining.

Ross added: “We needed the result as much as they did and that’s how it’ll be between now and the end of the season.

“We went there to get all three points and we don’t set up to draw games or see them out.

“We came to win but we’re all really positive that we can make these play-offs.

“It was a bit of a missed opportunity but it’s a positive point in the right direction.

“We’re going to give our all in the last two games and see where that takes us.

“A few of the other teams drew and looking back at the end of the season, it could prove to be a really valuable point for us.”