RYAN Clampin says making the transition from the Layer Road terraces to Colchester United's starting line-up has been a 'dream come true'.

The 20-year-old left-back, who used to cheer the U's on from the stands as a child with his Dad, made his Football League debut for the club in their game against Cambridge United last weekend.

Clampin, who has been at Colchester since he was nine years old, followed that up with another competent display in their 2-2 draw at Grimsby Town, on Tuesday night.

The former Stanway School pupil says he is determined to make a statement after breaking into John McGreal's side.

Clampin said: "I'm from Colchester - it's my town and I grew up here.

"When I was younger, my Dad used to take me to the games.

"To go from being there watching thinking I want to be playing one day to actually being on the pitch is a dream come true.

"From being that boyhood fan to actually representing the club, it does mean a lot especially last Saturday with it being at home.

"It's a relief to have got out of the way though!

"That first one has a lot of pressure on it and that could potentially be make or break.

"Now it's out of the way and I've played in front of quite a big crowd, I feel very relaxed and comfortable.

"It's been a big week and I've enjoyed a lot of it.

"When I found out I was starting against Cambridge, I was buzzing.

"I'd always wanted to make my home debut for the club.

"It sunk in on the Saturday morning when I thought 'I do need to perform'.

"I've been in and around it for over a year now and now's my time to really a statement at the club.

"I thought I had an alright game and it was nice to get a lot of messages from fans on social media, saying I'd had a good game.

"It definitely boosted my confidence, going into the (Grimsby) game.

"I came off a good performance and that got all of the nerves out.

"I enjoyed it at Grimsby and it was nice to get another game under my belt.

"I felt like I put in a good defensive partnership and that gives me a lot of confidence."

Colchester are hoping to secure their first league win of the season tomorrow when they host Northampton Town.

The U's have drawn two and lost two of their opening four league matches but Clampin believes their first win is just around the corner.

"Our heads are screwed on just to get the job done, on Saturday," added Clampin, who shrugged off an ankle injury in order to feature at Grimsby.

"If we can get a win, it will really boost our confidence and we haven't been playing badly."