COLCHESTER United’s combative midfielder Tom Lapslie insists he will not rush his return to match action following his knee operation.

The 22-year-old has missed the U’s last three matches after undergoing surgery at the end of last month and is likely to out for around six weeks, in total.

Lapslie is naturally keen to return to the fray as soon as possible - but has stressed he also has to think about the long term.

Lapslie told the Daily Gazette: “I don’t want to put too much of a time frame on it and say when it’s going to be, because you never know with these things but I’m hoping it’s not long term.

“I’m hoping it will be a bit less than the six weeks that’s been talked about but you can’t rush these things.

“I’ve had a couple of injuries before and even though I’m only 22, I feel like I’m experienced enough to know that trying to nick a few days here and a week there may not benefit me in the long run.

“I’m working my absolute hardest to try and get fit as quickly as possible, to try and stay strong but at the same time not force myself to do something I shouldn’t.

Lapslie had started the season in fine form for Colchester, starting each of their opening ** matches in League Two.

However, he was forced to undergo surgery for the injury which he initially suffered in their opening game of the season at Notts County.

“I felt it on the Sunday morning – it was a bit sore and I tried to manage it a bit and stay on top of it,” said Lapslie, who has made 100 league and cup appearances for Colchester since making his first-team debut back in

“But I had a scan and it showed that it had a bit of bone floating around in it.

“The disappointing thing is that I feel like I’ve started the season well, like we all have.

“We’re all in good form so it’s obviously frustrating and I’m not happy with the way it’s happened.

“But at the same time, it’s not as severe as it could have been and it’s going to be a short-term injury.”

Lapslie will be watching from the sidelines when Colchester host Cambridge United at the JobServe Community Stadium, on Saturday.

He added: “I’m a terrible watcher – I’m up and down a lot and probably a worse watcher than anyone else in the stadium.

“I want to be out there playing but at the same time, I’m here to cheer on the boys and anything they need me to do before games and during the week in training, I’m more than happy to do.

“It’s only a start but if we can kick on from here, it’s a great starting position.”