Ambitious Ryan Gondoh says he is keen to eventually play at a higher level after making his Colchester United bow.

The 20-year-old winger impressed on his first-ever league appearance, after coming on as a second-half substitute for the U’s in their 0-0 draw with Swindon Town.

Gondoh, who joined Colchester on an 18-month contract from Bostik League division north side Maldon and Tiptree in January, says he is hoping to establish himself in John McGreal’s squad for next season.

And beyond that, the former Barnet youngster is hoping to make further progress up the football pyramid.

Gondoh said: “Hopefully for me it’s a stepping stone and I can play higher.

“It was my first-ever EFL game and hopefully, it’s the first of many.

“But to come on and play in League Two was a good feeling.

“My ambitions are kind of high and I’d like to go on to bigger things.

“This is a stepping stone for me and I’m grateful for that.

“Sometimes in life, you have to take a step back to take two steps forward.

“It would be great to have another opportunity at Exeter and then kick on in pre-season – hopefully, I can end the season well with my last game.

“I’ve been playing in the under-23s and enjoying it.

“But coming into the first-team environment at the stadium with all the fans was great.

“It was a big step up but I enjoyed it – I got my opportunity and I took it.”

Gondoh caught the eye with his debut display against Swindon, after coming off the bench to replace Drey Wright in the stalemate.

“I didn’t really think I was going to get on but when I did, I was positive,” added Gondoh, whose only professional appearance for Barnet came back in September 2015, in a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy game at Yeovil Town.

“The manager said just go on and enjoy it and that was the main thing.

“That’s what I did – I got on the ball and tried to make things happen.

“My style of play is to go forward and try to create things.

“I’m left-footed so sometimes, I like to cut inside from the right or go down the line and keep the defender guessing – that’s the main thing about me.

“The main thing is to try to enjoy it – I’m a creative and risky player.

“I do the simple things and then the positive things after.

“I don’t let the nerves get to me – I just go out and be me.

“I’m here for a reason so I just like to go out and play football with a smile on my face.”