RYAN Clampin is relishing life in Colchester United’s starting line-up – and now wants to add more of an attacking dimension to his game.

The U’s academy product has shone for John McGreal’s side since breaking into the first team last month and has started their last seven successive matches, helping them embark on a six-match unbeaten run.

Clampin, 20, has produced some consistent performances over recent weeks, after making the step up to senior level.

But the former Stanway School pupil, who came close to scoring his first-ever U’s goal in the 0-0 draw with Walsall last weekend, has now set his sights on becoming a more attack-minded full-back.

“It’s nice to have my opportunity in the first team and I feel like I’ve settled in quite well,” said Clampin, who started out as a winger before switching to full-back, last season.

“Now it’s about showing what I can do going forward, because with our style of play we get the full-backs on quite a lot.

"I feel like I’ve got a lot to offer going forward.

“We all want to play, we’re all good on the ball and can do well under pressure, so I’m very happy to give them the ball when they’re under pressure.

“I always knew that I had it in me to perform for the first team but it’s all very well saying it from the sidelines.

“When you’re actually on the pitch it’s a completely different story and it’s nice to know that I can handle it.

“I feel like I’ve held my own and I’m one of the team now.”

Clampin has helped Colchester keep three successive clean sheets in League Two – but admits it was disappointing not to maintain their winning run against Walsall.

“It’s good to keep a clean sheet and it’s something to take from the game but on another day, we should be getting the three points,” said Clampin, who has been at Colchester since the age of nine.

“We’re a good side going forward and that’s why it’s a bit disappointing that we weren’t clinical enough in the final third.

“Walsall dropped off a bit and let us have the ball; they know that we’re a good team in possession and they were hard to break down at times because they were so compact.

“Most of the shots came from outside of the box.

“I think it’s helpful that we don’t have a midweek game so that we can properly recover, relax and get ready and prepare for the game (against Forest Green Rovers) on Saturday.”