Colchester United club captain Luke Prosser has revealed he still has his say in the changing room – despite been sidelined for the rest of the season.

The experienced centre-back is unlikely to play again in this campaign after undergoing knee surgery, in November.

Prosser has been at most of Colchester’s games since being ruled out, including their recent wins at Stevenage and Luton.

And the 28-year-old says it helps him to still feel a part of the U’s squad, despite currently being out of action.

Prosser told the Daily Gazette: “I try and be a part of it as much as I can. I still have my voice in the dressing room and rally the boys, not as much as I would do as I’m out injured but I’ll always cheer them on.

“I take a back seat a little bit more but I say my bit when I can and that then keeps me involved.

“It’s frustrating turning up every day and not being able to put your boots on and go on that pitch so just to show face in and around the dressing room makes you feel a part of it.

“It’s obviously a bit depressing when the gaffer is rallying the boys and you’re thinking you’ve probably got seven months to wait until your next game.

“But it does keep you part of it and that’s quite important, because otherwise you take yourself away from the squad.

“I was at our games at Luton and Stevenage recently and all of the home games.

“I’ll be there to support the boys whenever I can; that’s important and I still want to be part and parcel of it.”

Prosser is hoping to step up his gym work having been given the green light to come off his crutches, after seeing his surgeon earlier this week.

“It’s going to be a slow process but it’s not too bad,” added Prosser, who featured in all but one of Colchester’s opening 14 league games prior to his injury.

“It’s about having goals and the next one is to do a little bit more in the gym because up until now, it’s been upper body weights.

“I’ve never had a serious injury – every injury I’ve had, I’ve only been out for a maximum of a month.

“So it’s extremely frustrating, especially when you come to a new club and you want to have a good first year not only for yourself but for the club and the fans.

“The season was going alright – I think the last couple of games were a bit sloppy, perhaps with my knee getting a little bit sore.

“But I was really enjoying it – I got made captain and it was looking really good.

“You have to stay positive because otherwise, I’m not going to be the most pleasant person turning up for training.

“You have to put on a smile and hopefully, I’ll come back stronger next season.”