Sammie Szmodics says he is willing to put himself through the pain barrier this summer in a bid to catch the eye in pre-season.

The Colchester United teenager burst onto the scene last season, forcing his way into Joe Dunne’s first team.

Szmodics made eight appearances for the U’s in League One after making his debut as a substitute at Bristol City, last September.

And having sampled a taste of the action, the 18-year-old is determined to earn the chance of more senior appearances in the forthcoming campaign.

Szmodics said: “A lot of work goes on over the summer to get ready for the new season.

“I’m not going away and I’ll be working in the gym, making sure that I’m ready to go.”

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