LUKE Guttridge is determined to take his Colchester United chance with both hands, after finally making his long-awaited first league start for the club.
The former Southend United player was handed a full Championship debut for the U's in the 1-1 draw with Southampton at Layer Road, after Kem Izzet was ruled out with a hand injury.
It has been a frustrating time for the creative midfielder, who has had to wait patiently for his chance in the reserves following his summer move to Colchester.
However, he impressed alongside Johnnie Jackson against the Saints.
And the 25-year-old wants to make the most of his opportunity by helping to steer the U's away from trouble.
Guttridge told the Gazette: "It was nice to make my debut - better late than never!
"It was good to get an opportunity, even though it was unfortunate for Kem the way it came about.
"But you have to take your chance no matter how it comes to you and I really enjoyed it.
"When you're not playing it's hard to enjoy your football - you just have to get your head down and train hard.
"If you don't keep yourself fit then the only person that's going to lose out is yourself.
"I didn't want to have to wait five months for my opportunity but now it's arrived, I'm going to try my best to take it."
Guttridge felt Colchester deserved a point from their Boxing Day clash with the Saints, after Clive Platt's equaliser cancelled out Jhon Viafara's first-half opener.
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