Lloyd James has insisted that there will be no room for sentiment when he takes on his boyhood club tomorrow.

The cultured Colchester United midfielder spent 15 years at Southampton, where he progressed through the youth ranks.

The 23-year-old clocked up more than 70 league and cup appearances for the Saints, before being released by the south coast club at the end of last season.

James’ mother, sister and girlfriend, along with a number of his friends, will be among a large Weston Homes Community Stadium crowd this weekend.

However, the U’s midfielder has said despite his fondness for the Saints, he intends to do them no favours tomorrow afternoon.

James said: “I had a great time at Southampton; I was there since I was seven and I grew up there.

“They’re a big club and I’ve got nothing but good words to say about them.

“But now I’m concentrating on helping Colchester move up the table and see if we can go above them.

“It’s my former club and it’ll be nice to take three points.

“You just have to look forward; if you keep looking back then it’s going to halt your career.

“Once I knew that I wasn’t going to get a new contract I came to Colchester and had a successful trial and I’m enjoying my time here.”

See Friday's Gazette for more on this story and a full preview of Colchester United's big game with Southampton.