Pat Baldwin, aiming for a return to the team and ultimately a new contract

PAT Baldwin is fighting fit and ready to start playing again, not just in the short-term but also for the good of his long-term career.

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Centre-half Baldwin, who has been with Colchester United since 2002, has had to sit out the last three months due to a fractured toe.

But the 29-year-old is now back in first team contention, having completed his second 90 minutes for the Reserves in their midweek 2-1 win over Southend United’s second string, in a behind-closed-doors friendly.

The fact that Baldwin’s current contract expires this summer, makes it doubly important for the ex-Chelsea trainee to regain his place in the back four again.

“What will be, will be,” admitted Baldwin, with regards to earning a new contract this summer.

“First and foremost, I love Colchester United, but I know that I have to start playing again and showing what I can do.

“I’ve passed the point of just getting 90 minutes under my belt. I must now start to be impressing in games.

“I struggled a little to get going on Wednesday (against Southend Reserves), probably because it’s always difficult to get going again after the Christmas break.

“But I soon picked up the tempo, and I hope to get another run-out for the Reserves next week.

“However, I feel that I am ready to be playing for the first team again. I feel that my experience will see me through games.

“I am available again now,” confirmed Baldwin.

London-born Baldwin, who has so far made 244 appearances for his beloved U’s, should be involved in the Reserves’ Essex Senior Cup tie against Harlow Town, to be staged at the Weston Homes Community Stadium next Tuesday evening (7.30pm).

He will then be hoping to be named in the squad for Saturday week’s home game against Scunthorpe, which is the U’s next first team fixture – they have a free weekend coming up, following their exit from the FA Cup.

Baldwin was an unused substitute for the U’s last outing, a 1-0 defeat at MK Dons on Monday, due to fellow centre-half Matt Heath’s absence with a groin injury. His last appearance was a 2-2 home draw against Yeovil on October 8.