COLCHESTER United defender John White knows he has to work harder on the attacking side of his game if he is to stay in the side in the long-term.

The 24-year-old was a virtual ever-present in the U’s side last season under Aidy Boothroyd, but found himself dislodged from the team at the start of the season by John Ward’s summer signing Brian Wilson.

The former Bristol City defender has fitted perfectly into Ward’s new 4-3-3 system, his attack-minded approach providing valuable width to a narrower midfield.

However, Wilson limped off with an ankle injury against Plymouth two weeks’ ago and the defensively dependable and versatile White has done well on his return to the side.

And with Wilson ruled out of both today’s game against Tranmere and Tuesday night’s visit of Essex rivals Dagenham & Redbridge at a minimum, White knows he has got a golden opportunity to impress.

“It’s good to be back,” he said. “Obviously it’s a really difficult time when you are not playing, but the team has been doing really well and it’s been difficult to go and knock on the manager’s door and say that you should be playing.

“Brian has done really well since he’s arrived and has added something to the team.

“(The attacking side of the game) is not something I’m renowned for, but I know it’s something I’ve got to add to my game.

“I’m working on it in training because if you’re going to make mistakes trying something new, that’s the time to do it.

“It’s nice to have the shirt again though and I now know it’s mine to lose.”

– Full match preview in today’s EADT.