He said: “A lot of work has been put in to get to this point and I just want to thank God.

“I’m really grateful to the manager for giving me this opportunity and it was my first start, too so it was a great way to top it off.

“It’s a culmination of putting the extras in and being calm in front of goal – that’s something that I’ve been trying to work on in pre-season and this season.

“Working with Nicky [Cowley] every day and doing extra after training, I think it really pays off.

“When you get into those situations in games, it’s really just habits and instinct or being clinical in front of goal and that’s what I showed there.

“Nicky told me a lot about when you are in those positions and you are in front of goal, the habits you develop in training and being ruthless in front of goal carries into a match.

“It’s about adapting to different situations in front of goal and it’s something I want to show more and show what I can do.”

Mbick is currently enjoying his first loan spell away from Championship side Charlton, having joined Colchester on transfer deadline day.

The Addicks academy graduate, who has made 11 senior appearances for the South London club, signed a new long-term contract with them, this summer.

“It’s a different experience to be honest, living on my own and things like that,” said Mbick.

“But everyone has really welcomed me so much and I couldn’t be more grateful for that.

“I’m trying to keep working every day and keep going.

“I always have to keep my feet on the ground.

“The manager has huge trust in me and it’s great to go on the pitch especially as a young player, knowing you have a manager that has that trust in you.

“It gives me the freedom to express myself.

“Danny [Cowley] and Nicky have been really supportive of me and I think I have to keep working to repay them every day.

“I’ve been trying to build new relationships with new players.

“Payney [Jack Payne] is a senior pro and I’ve been learning a lot from him.

"I’ve just been trying to get on the same wavelength as him and the goal was a great example of that happening.”

Mbick was given the nod over the likes of Samson Tovide and Jaden Williams to start for Colchester against Bristol Rovers.

“Competition for places is always healthy,” said Mbick.

“I’m learning things from Samson and I think he’s learning things from me as well.

“It’s not really about competition or rivalry; it’s more about relationships and learning from each other, so it’s a healthy environment.”

Colchester were left frustrated after their draw with Bristol Rovers having been the better side and spurning a number of good opportunities.

Mbick added: “With the system we play, we’ll always create chances.

"We’re a great threat in behind and in the transition and if we were more ruthless, we’d have got the three points.

"But there were great positives to take into next week.

“Putting the ball in the back of the net is the hardest part of football.

“It’s difficult when you create so many chances and go 1-0 down but we’re really trying to get our mindset right about no disappointment and being together.

“Things go wrong but you have to bounce back and I think that reflected in the result.

“It’s coming together; it’s only a matter of time until we get three points and get momentum.”