PATIENCE has had to be a virtue for Omar Sowunmi during his Colchester United career, to date.

But now the 6ft 6in centre-back has got his opportunity in League Two, he is determined to take it.

Sowunmi started his first league game of the season for Colchester against Crawley Town, in midweek.

And with Tommy Smith still self isolating, the 25-year-old is set to feature again in Steve Ball’s starting line-up tomorrow when the U’s host Grimsby Town (kick-off 5.30pm).

Sowunmi’s starting opportunities have been limited since he arrived at the U’s from Yeovil Town in July, 2019.

So it is hardly surprising that the Colchester-born defender should want to seize his chance, when it comes around.

Sowunmi said: “I’ve been waiting patiently and training well so hopefully now it’s time for me to keep the shirt.

“It’s definitely hard to build momentum when you’re in for a game and then out and then in again.

“For me, it’s about doing as well as I can when I do play and then hopefully, keeping the shirt.

“One of the main things that I strive for is being professional, no matter what I’m doing and whether I’m training or playing.

“I can assure you that I want to play but it’s important to stay level headed and work hard every day.

“I’ve played in different scenarios this season, like against Forest Green when I came on just to shore up shop at the back and keep the points.

“It’s been a hectic programme this year because of the delay but I think we’re used to it now and Saturday-Tuesday is the norm in this league.

“Most players would definitely rather play than train and we just want to play the actual games.

“That’s what we enjoy the most.”

Sowunmi will be playing in front of a crowd for the first time this season tomorrow, with around 800 fans expected to attend the U’s game with Grimsby Town at the JobServe Community Stadium.

It will be the former Ipswich Town youngster’s first game in front of fans since the U’s game with Cheltenham Town, back in February.

“At the start, it was weird for everyone not having fans there but we’re used to it now, including probably the fans watching from home,” said the Colchester-born defender.

“But we’re looking forward to having them back to give us a push and getting behind the boys.

“When you’re playing, you kind of zone out a little bit – me personally anyway.

“But the fans make a lot of noise when they’re there and it’s hard to miss them.”