Drey Wright says he is determined to nail down a place in Colchester United’s starting line-up after recovering from his long-term injury nightmare.

The speedy winger has impressed in pre-season so far, after returning from a cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for much of last season.

Wright sat out more than six months of the last campaign after suffering the injury playing for the U’s under-21s against Sheffield Wednesday, last October.

The 20-year-old, who managed only one league start for Colchester last season, has caught the eye in their friendlies against Brentwood and Heybridge.

And the former U’s academy player admits is desperate to force his way into Tony Humes’ side for their curtain-raiser against Blackpool, on August 8.

Wright told the Daily Gazette: “My main aim is to make that starting line-up for the Blackpool game.

“I started last season and I have the same aim again this year and hopefully stay in that team for as long as possible.

“I’m not 100 per cent where I’d like to be and it’s going to be a long process until I’m at that point.

“But I’m just taking it slowly and hopefully I’ll get sharper with every game I play, ready for the season.

“I’m feeling stronger with every match that I play and found it a lot easier against Brentwood than I did against Heybridge, in terms of fitness.

“Sharpness will take longer than fitness but match time and training will help that and hopefully that will come sooner rather than later.”

Wright began last season in Colchester’s starting line-up having been out for nearly seven months after undergoing surgery on his other knee, in October 2013.

The 20-year-old says having to recover from a long-term injury for a second time has been a tough process.

“It’s been harder this time because I thought that I had it all behind me,” said Wright, who made his senior U’s debut in August 2012.

“I was just getting back into the team and looking forward to the season.

“When it happened, it was longer term than the one before and I missed a lot of exciting games last season, especially towards the end.

“It was a shame not to be part of it but the boys did fantastically well and I’m just pleased for them and happy to be back with them.

“I just want to be a part of as many games as possible and hopefully have a bit of success with the team.”

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.