Colchester United's Samson Tovide says he is ready to go at Gillingham this weekend after completing a three-match suspension.

The youngster was sent off for a reckless challenge against Cardiff City in the EFL Cup and has missed three successive League Two defeats for Ben Garner's side.

And he admits he cannot wait to get going again after a frustrating fortnight.

"Obviously I've been out the last two weeks and can't wait to get going," he told the club website.

"Coming back from a red card hasn't been easy, but I've had support from the coach and the boys and you learn from it.

"I can see the boys are working hard so all I can do right now is support them, but I know what I can bring to the team.

"The coaches have done a lot extra to make sure I'm up to speed so when I go into Saturday I'm ready to go."

Tovide was dismissed after catching rival player Jamilu Collins with a high foot.

And he says he has been working extra hard during his absence, having learned a valuable lesson.

"I'm still young, I still need to learn. I've learnt from it," he added.

"I shouldn't have had my foot that high but I can't dwell on the past, I've just got to focus on the future.

"I've been training the last two weeks, training a lot, doing double sessions, I feel good, ready to go.

"It was annoying, I had a good pre-season, scored a couple of goals, but I can only control what's in my hands, focus on Saturday and if I'm called upon, be ready to go."

Tovide felt his teammates were unfortunate not to open their account against MK Dons last weekend, having seen Joe Taylor's quickfire brace cancel out an early opener from the visitors to put them 2-1 up.

Colchester old Alex Gilbey levelled two minutes from time, then set up Matt Dennis for a 95th-minute winner, to leave U's still seeking their first point ahead of a trip to leaders Gillingham.

"Saturday was harsh, the way we lost the game, but the boys have been putting in the work this week so we're all ready to go Saturday," added Tovide.

"Obviously they're top of the league but I don't think that means anything to us, we're a young team, energy, ready to go, and I know what we can do to teams in this league."

U's boss Ben Garner is certainly delighted to have Tovide available for selection once again.

He said: "He's frustrated but he's trained really well, he's been so hungry to get back involved.

"I know he's young, but he's a leader for us, he's a talisman for the way that we play and what we do.

"I'm over the moon that I'm able to pick him for the weekend and have him available for selection."