Colchester midifelder Dean Hammond is under no illusion that he has to earn the right to start games at Layer Road after joining from Brighton.A combination of suspension and a calf strain have prevented the playmake from making his Us debut following his acrimonious departure from Brighton went through on transfer deadline day, but he could yet make the squad for the visit of Oldham on Saturday.

"I know that I have a fight to get into the team," Hammond told the Essex Gazette.

"But competition for places is always good and that's what you want, because it means you have to be in top form.

"It's been a bit of a settling-in period for me, I've been at the club but I haven't been able to train. In some ways it might be a blessing in disguise but any footballer will tell you that it's very frustrating when you're not playing."

Hammond, 24, spent 14 years in the Albion ranks but the club captain refused to sign a new contract at the Withdean Stadium and his fate was sealed when he was placed on the Seagulls' transfer list.

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