SAMMIE Szmodics says he wants to play a big part in Colchester United’s promotion push after extending his stay at the club.

The Colchester-born attacking midfielder is looking forward to a big campaign for the U’s, after agreeing a contract extension which will keep him at the Weston Homes Community Stadium until the summer of 2019.

Szmodics is hoping to establish himself as a regular starter under John McGreal, having played under Colchester’s first-team coach on numerous occasions at academy level.

And former Stanway School pupil, who has been at the U’s since the age of seven, says McGreal’s confidence in him has given him a big boost ahead of the new League Two campaign.

Szmodics told the Daily Gazette: “I’m so happy to have signed – I had the two years remaining anyway but I’m delighted to sign for an extra year on top of that.

“I can’t wait for the new season and it’s like a fresh start for me and for everyone.

“The relegation was not what anyone wanted but a lot of players have gone and it’s another chance for everyone to show what they can do.

“I think we can definitely get promoted and that’s what we’ll be aiming for.

“I also have my own personal objectives and I know what I want to achieve and how many goals I want to score, although I’ll keep that figure to myself for the time being.

“I’ve worked with the gaffer for a while now at academy level and it’s great that he’s shown so much confidence in me now that he’s in charge of the first-team role; that in turn gives me confidence.

“He’s told me that he wants me to stay fit, score goals and play as many games as possible, next season.

“I feel like I’m a big part of his plans for next season - I wouldn’t have signed the contract extension if I didn’t think that.”

Szmodics is determined to make up for lost time, after a foot injury caused him to miss a large chunk of last season.

The 20-year-old, who managed only two starts for Colchester in the 2015-16 campaign, is now fully fit and says he cannot wait to report back for pre-season next week.

Szmodics added: “A lot of players tend to dread pre-season and no-one really enjoys it too much but I can’t wait to get back next week.

“I feel like I’ve put so much work in over the last few months to get fit and I just want to get going again now.”

Former Colchester goalkeeper Elliott Parish has signed for fellow League Two side Accrington Stanley.

The 26-year-old was released by the U’s last month and has signed a one-year deal with the Reds.