White made 43 appearances for Colchester last season

Colchester United boss John Ward has insisted defender John White is still very much in his first-team plans.

The right-back, 24, has been behind summer signing Brian Wilson in the pecking order at the U's.

Ward told BBC Essex: "John's just being a good pro, I've had to look after one or two things behind the scenes, to cover things a little bit on the bench.

"He's accepted that decision and he's very much part of what I want to do with this football club."

Despite being a regular last season White, who is a Colchester youth product, has been on the fringes this term, with his last first-team appearance coming in early October.

But the U's have been in good form of late, winning in their last four outings and rising to third in League One.

There's no glory or celebrations, we get on with the game and try to win it Colchester boss john Ward

Ward puts the success down to a ruthlessness he thinks his side adopted in the 2-1 victory over Notts County three weeks ago.

"There was a business side to the team and there has been through the season," he said.

"You find out a little bit more when the odds are against you, there's been a couple of times we've gone behind and that's when the business heads kick in.

"There's no glory or celebrations, we get on with the game and try to win it and I think that's a real credit to the team."

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