Colchester striker Steven Gillespie insists he is ready to fight to regain his place in the first team at the Community Stadium.

Gillespie, who was hindered by a hamstring problem at the start of the season, has been restricted to substitute appearances since he returned to fitness while the form of Kevin Lisbie, Kayode Odejayi and Clive Platt has fired the Us to a nine-game unbeaten run.

But the club's record signing is determined to give boss Aidy Boothroyd a selection dilemma in attack.

"It's great that we're getting results and we're at the right end of the table," he told the Gazette. "That's where you want to be, both personally and collectively.

"I'll be pushing to get back into the first team and I'm sure it would be the same if it was the other way around, if I get in.

"I'm building on my training and in reserve-team games but it's nice to get those first-team minutes under my belt."