CAMERON James says one reason that he wanted to return to Braintree Town on loan from Colchester United was to play a part in the Iron’s bid for Vanarama National League survival this year.

The 20-year-old has returned to the Iron for a second loan period from the U’s.

His previous loan spell at Braintree was ended when Colchester needed him back to cover after a couple of injuries stretched their defensive options.

But his parent club is back to full strength now so he has been allowed to head back to the Iron for an initial month-long deal.

He said: “It’s been a similar message from Colchester as the last time I came in to Braintree; just to really get some match fitness and first-team football in case I get called on.

“I enjoyed my time at Braintree the first time and if I hadn’t got called back before then I’d still be here.

“I’m here for a month initially and it will then get reassessed as we’ll see what both clubs think and what position we are in.

“If it means I’m playing every week then I’d be happy to stay as I feel comfortable in this team and in the dressing room.

“I’ve come back in and I know the boys haven’t been on the best of runs with quite a few losses but morale is still high and everyone feels we can still do it.

“But we need everyone to keep believing that we can stay up.

“That’s one reason why I’ve come back, because I do believe we can stay up.”

James’ first game back with Braintree was in their 1-1 draw with Boreham Wood on Saturday and he slotted straight back into the starting line-up where he impressed in the centre of midfield.

“It felt good to be back out there,” added James, who made 12 appearances in his previous spell at Cressing Road.

“I got called back by Colchester when I wasn’t really expecting it as they had some injuries, but it feels good to be back playing.

“There are a few new faces from before and a few who have gone, but I enjoyed it.

“I felt like I’d not been away.

“It was the first time I’d played alongside Courtney (Richards) and I felt we did OK together other than giving away too many free-kicks.

“Other than that, I thought it was a good team performance against Boreham Wood and I felt we deserved the win.

“It feels like two points dropped in a way, but you have to look at it as a point gained with the position that we’re in.

“We gained a point and have to put that to one side and now move on.”