Despite being shipped out on loan to Braintree Town, and being well down the pecking order of Colchester United defenders, George Elokobi never once questioned whether his U’s career might be over.

And Elokobi was proved right, on Tuesday night, just 24 hours after his recall from the National League club.

Benefiting from seven appearances for Iron, in the top tier of non-league, Elokobi impressed in his first U’s appearance of the season, part of a new-look three-man central defence in a 3-0 win at Cheltenham.

The 30-year-old added his vast experience to the U’s defence, just as fellow returnee Owen Garvan did to the midfield.

“There was never a moment when I thought I would not put on a Colchester United shirt again, never,” insisted Elokobi, following Tuesday night’s success at Whaddon Road.

“No one ever told me that I didn’t have a future at the club. I always believed that I would return.

“I knew that I had to go out and play games, because there was enough players in my position (centre-half), so I had to be patient and work hard on the training ground.

“I went to Braintree, which is a credit to them. I enjoyed every minute of my time with them.

“But I thought it was the right time to come back. I had got the games I needed and got match-fit, so I was ready for the call.”

For full interview, and the latest from John McGreal, see today’s ‘East Anglian Daily Times’ newspaper