Colchester United still have three games of the current League Two season remaining.

But winger Courtney Senior could be forgiven for perhaps having one eye on the next campaign, after agreeing a new two-year deal with the U’s.

The 20-year-old is keen to finish this term with a bang, in Colchester’s remaining three games.

But having seen his preparations disrupted by injury in each of his last two pre-seasons, the exciting attacker is already looking forward to starting the 2018-19 campaign with a bang.

McGreal said: “If I can get a really good pre-season under my belt and secure a starting spot, it will be very good for the new season.

“I’ve broken in since Christmas time and had a few good games so now I just want to secure a place for next season.

“I want to come back in pre-season and secure my spot in the team.

“The gaffer has given me an opportunity and I’ve taken it.

“When I first came onto the scene I did my ACL, which obviously wasn’t good.

“I overcame that and although I had a couple of little niggles, since Christmas I’ve been fine.

“The ACL injury was very frustrating but it also helped me get my mind on it and I’m more focused.

“Last year, I had a full pre-season but then I got injured before the August games so I’m looking forward to a strong pre-season, this time around.”

Senior was due to see his previous contract expire in the summer, prior to agreeing new terms with Colchester.

“I’m delighted to extend my contract,” said Senior, who joined Colchester from Brentford in the summer of 2016.

“I sat down with my agent and my parents and had a long discussion about my future and we thought it was the best decision for me to stay here.

“I want to give it to the gaffer and also the people at the top for having the faith in me after my big injury.

“It’s a place of opportunity and I think I’ve taken it well.”

Since scoring on his U’s first-team debut against Forest Green Rovers last August, attacker Senior has made a further 15 appearances for John McGreal’s side.

In that time he has chipped in with three goals and a number of assists and says he is comfortable playing in either a central or wide position.

Senior said: “I’ve got three goals this season and a few assists, as well.

“I don’t think I’m a natural goalscorer but I can score goals and I get opportunities.

“I’m the kind of player who likes to get out there and express myself.

“The gaffer and Bally have asked me to do that and play in different roles.

“I see myself as a number ten or on the wing.

“I do like playing on the wing but ten is enjoyable, as well.

“If I can vary my positions, it’ll be a good thing.

“League Two football is a lot different to under-23 football and the intensity is a lot higher.

“But I feel like I’ve dealt with it quite well and sometimes, it gives you a little boost to hear the fans cheering you on.

“The fans are very supportive both on and off the pitch and that’s also good.

“I like to express myself and the more confident I get, the more skills I can show.

“But I also like to mix up my game and sometimes, keep it simple.”

Senior will be hoping for a recall to Colchester’s starting line-up when they travel to play promotion-chasing Lincoln City, tomorrow.

And although the play-offs look highly unlikely now for the U’s, youngster Senior insists there is still plenty to play for.

He said: “Everyone’s competing for places – it’s not a jolly up and you have to keep working hard.

“There’s still three games to go and we can still make the play-offs so we’ll just try and win those games and finish the season well.

“I think we do better against the bigger teams and we can give Lincoln a good game.

“It’ll be a good test for us, against a good side.

“It’s likely to be a big crowd and I like that, because I like to express myself.”