Matt Briggs has something missing on his CV – a promotion!

Colchester United’s left-sided defender has an unwelcome ‘relegation’ on his CV, from last season, but he wants to balance that out by securing promotion back to League One this season. And he believes it is very possible.

“It makes a change not to be fighting against relegation,” said Briggs, on the eve of this afternoon’s visit of high-flying Portsmouth.

“It would be good for us to get promoted, it’s something that we are all pushing for. Having been relegated last year, we are doubly keen to get back up.

“No player wants a ‘relegation’ on his CV, least of all me, so I’ve got to have a ‘promotion’ on my CV as well to make up for it.”

Briggs is now back to full health and full fitness, after a stop-start last 12 months, which has included a long-term hip injury, sore back and also personal problems. The 26-year-old ex-Fulham and Millwall defender has certainly warmed to his current role as a left-sided centre-half, in a three-man central defence alongside George Elokobi and Cameron James.

“It’s been a frustrating spell for me, after missing the back-end of last season with injury,” continued Briggs.

“I then had a pre-season operation, and a few setbacks along the way, but I’m hungry for matches now and I’m feeling good.

“I don’t mind playing as a centre-half, although as a natural left-back I do like to get forward. That’s where George (Elokobi) comes in – he keeps the reins on me!

“Of course I’m always wanting to get forward, but I have to check myself at times. I see space ahead of me and I want to go into it, but I have to keep my discipline and see what’s behind me as well.

“George (Elokobi) has a lot of experience, and he’s always talking to me, while Cameron James has been doing a good job.

“I feel that we have something to build on at Colchester United. The fans keep pushing us, and there should be a big crowd and a great atmosphere this weekend.

“The fans always give us a big boost, and we will certainly be going for it against Portsmouth.

“We’re not just looking at the play-offs, we’re looking at the top three. We have to play a lot of teams around us, at home, so our fate is in our hands,” said Briggs.