It will be 24 days, tomorrow, since Colchester United last kicked a ball in anger.

No wonder, then, that Joe Dunne’s men are desperate for tomorrow evening’s away game at Port Vale to cheat the wet weather and go ahead.

Ryan Dickson is more desperate than most, to get some game-time under his belt, following a frustrating first half of the campaign for the U’s summer signing.

Dickson has had to play second fiddle to fellow left-back Luke Garbutt over the last four months, but now that the latter has returned to Everton, he should get an extended run in the team.

“Everyone is dying to play some football,” admitted Dickson.

“We haven’t had the best luck with the weather, so hopefully it will hold off for the next game.

“I think the boys are all getting a little restless. They want to play a game, that would be nice.

“We just prepare and wait for the call on Saturday. You just prepare the best you can.

“Last year it was snow, this year it is rain. That’s the climate we live in,” added Dickson.

The U’s have not played, since beating Carlisle 4-2 in Cumbria on January 18.

However, Dickson believes that a quick turnover of games could work in the team’s favour.

“If we keep our squad fit, sometimes a backlog of fixtures can work in your favour, if you’ve already got momentum,” continued Dickson.

“With games coming every Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, it’s important for everyone to be fit. The training and morale of the squad has certainly improved with the likes of Sanchez (Watt), Freddie (Sears) and Gavin (Massey) all back in the group. They give everyone a lift.

“Training has stepped up a gear. Those three are very good attacking players and its best to just let them do what they do.

“As for me, I’m excited to be back playing now, to say the least. I know I can play well, that’s not an issue. I just need that run of games.

“Results have picked up lately, and we’ve got a full squad now, which really helps.”