DREY Wright does not celebrate his 18th birthday until the end of this month, but already he has experienced his fair share of highs and lows as a professional footballer.

Flying winger Wright is learning the hard way, playing in a Colchester United side who have been haunted by relegation fears for much of this season.

He has been in-and-out of the team, but has been recalled to the starting line-up for the last couple of games, to dramatic effect.

Wright, a product of the U’s Academy, earned a valuable point for his side with a goal in Easter Monday’s 1-1 draw at fellow strugglers Oldham.

And he followed this up with what proved to be the winning goal in the 2-1 home win over Leyton Orient last Saturday.

The four points, accrued from those two fixtures, have propelled Joe Dunne’s men to six points clear of the relegation zone, with four games remaining.

Oldham’s 2-0 defeat at Preston last night kept them six points adrift, along with Scunthorpe.

“It’s my first season, and it has been a rollercoaster ride,” admitted Wright, the son of former Ipswich Town stalwart Jermaine Wright.

“I’m just happy to be involved, and happy to help the team picking up points when it matters.

“That’s two (goals) in two for me – some would say that’s prolific!

“I’m glad to pay back the gaffer’s faith, with those two goals.

“Of course I hope he sticks with me, on a personal level, but the gaffer has to decide what is best for the team,” added Wright.

Fellow winger George Porter’s three-match suspension, for a red card at Hartlepool, has allowed Wright to force his way back into the side.

Burnley loanee Porter will be available again on Saturday, for the trip to Notts County, but Wright has given boss Dunne a pleasant selection dilemma with his goals against the Latics and the O’s.

Referring to Saturday’s precious win over Leyton Orient, Wright continued: “We were the much better team for the first 25 minutes.

“We created a lot of chances and got the two goals that won us the game. In the end, we held on.

“It was a nervous game to play in.

“They were chasing the play-offs, and Sam (Walker) pulled off a great save with the (Kevin Lisbie) penalty. He kept us the game.

“There was huge relief for us all in the dressing room, after the game.

“We didn’t care about how we did it.

“It was a massive day for the club. We are now one step closer (to safety), with other teams dropping points.

“Personally, I want to keep being a goal-threat, and also setting up goals.

“The hunger is always there, and you feel like you have a bit of a point to prove, having been given another opportunity with George (Porter) being suspended.

“We have four games left, and we will be trying to win all four to pull well away,” concluded Wright.