Macauley Bonne is delighted with the new Colchester United contract that will give him the time he needs to develop as a player.

The 19-year-old striker made his third consecutive start for the U’s in their 1-0 defeat at the hands of Notts County at the Weston Homes Community Stadium last night.

Those appearances and his goal against Bristol City have been a boost after more than a year without a full 90 minutes.

But Bonne knows he has to be patient as the former U’s youth teamer continues his development in senior football.

And that is why he is so pleased that the club have shown faith in him by offering his a deal to keep him there until the summer of 2017.

He said: “It’s a bit of security for me as I know I’ve got time to develop as a player.

“I can get myself physically bigger and I’ve got a chance to play many more games for the club.

“You have to have patient when you’re not in the side but you have to take your chances when they do come along.

“I feel a lot fitter than I did a week or so ago after the games I’ve had.

“I’m going for it now.

“Now I’m here, I don’t want to lose my place.

“I just want to keep going.”

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