Magnus Okuonghae is desperate to end his frustrating exile from Colchester United’s starting line-up this weekend.

And the U’s skipper says he is eager to play his part in the U’s “new-found optimism” under boss Tony Humes.

Okuonghae has not featured for Colchester for nearly a month after serving a fourth-match ban for his red card at Leyton Orient.

But the 28-year-old defender is in contention to start for the U’s in their home clash with Fleetwood Town tomorrow.

Okuonghae said: “It’s been extremely frustrating.

“It’s been alright when the boys have been playing at home, as I can get in amongst it and go in the changing room and give them my best wishes.

“But with the away games, you’re going two or three days without seeing the group of boys you battle with and train with every single day.

“To be fair to the staff, they’ve done their best to make sure I haven’t felt isolated.

“I’ve spoken a lot to the gaffer and Richard (Hall) and I’ve seen the boys most days, too.

“I didn’t think it was red card but I’ve had four weeks to sit and stew over it.

“I’ve learnt from it and hopefully I can get back in the team and start playing again.”

Okuonghae’s suspension has meant that he has featured only twice for Colchester since Humes’ appointment last month.

The long-serving U’s centre-back says he wants to regain his starting spot and take his place again at the heart of their defence.

“I think the boys are buying into what the management team are asking us to do,” added Okuonghae.

“It’s something I want to be a part of - I’ve had to watch from afar and I just can’t wait to get back in.

“I take my hat off to Frankie (Kent) - he’s done well and obviously not made it easy for the manager to make a decision.

“From a selfish point of view, I hope that decision goes in my favour so we’ll see how it pans out.

“There does seem to be a new-found optimism around the place and rightly so - we’ll try and fuel that a bit more with three points tomorrow.”

For a three-page preview of the U's game with Fleetwood Town, see Friday's Daily Gazette.