The League Two campaign is barely two months old but it has already been a season of milestone moments for Sammie Szmodics.

The Colchester United livewire recently clocked up his 50th league appearance for his home town club and last month celebrated a big birthday, turning 21.

Szmodics added to his list of personal landmarks in the U’s game with Newport County last weekend, when he pulled on the captain’s armband in the second half of the 0-0 draw.

The former Stanway School pupil said skippering Colchester was a proud moment.

“I was absolutely buzzing,” said Szmodics, who made his senior U’s debut back in September, 2013.

“Anyone that lives in the home town wants to captain their team.

“I know that I wasn’t captain the team from the off but you never know what the future holds.

“I was quite shocked and surprised myself when I got it but you have to take it as at this club, as a youngster you get thrown in and the captain’s armband is another thing to add to that.

“Alex Gilbey had the armband for a good number of games and that’s what we have to look up to.

“When you experience something like that it pushes your shoulders back and makes you think the manager thinks highly of you, your confidence grows and you start doing more on the pitch.

“When people see my age, sometimes they’re a bit shocked because I’ve been around for three or four years now.

“As a youngster, all you want to be doing is playing games and if that isn’t starting, then it’s coming on and making an impact.

“To reach that 50-game milestone was unbelievable for me, so it’s just on the up for me.”

Szmodics is hoping to help Colchester secure their first win in six league matches when they take on second-placed Doncaster Rovers tomorrow.

The Colchester-born forward believes playing at grounds like the Keepmoat Stadium is a chance for the club’s talented players to showcase their talent on a bigger stage.

“I feel like I get more nervous when there’s less people watching,” said Szmodics, who has been at Colchester since the age of seven.

“I really enjoy playing in front of big crowds, because I feel it’s more of an opportunity to shine.

“If there are bigger clubs watching, it’s a great chance to show what you can do.

“It was my dream to play for Colchester and I want to thrive on that and keep going.

“But I want to see where my career takes me and going to places like Donny are another opportunity to progress yourself.”