Paul Abrahams epitomises the new feeling within the U's as they prepare for tonight's clash with Wigan.

Victory for Colchester United will hoist them up to 14th in the table and away from relegation danger.

Abrahams has renewed determination to stay at Layer Road with his play anywhere attitude.

He has gone from winger to wing back and now right back for the reserves and is itching to tun it on at first team level again.

And while he is still currently on the transfer list he doesn't want to leave the club.

Abrahams said: "I have never wanted to leave the club but I wasn't playing or being involved and with my contract up in the summer I had to open my options.

"It is a clean slate now and it is up to me and the other players to impress the new manager.

"I enjoy playing full back, you always get involved. But it is more because we are short there in the reserves whereas we have an abundance of forwards."

Recent results have boosted the U's who after losing five out of six have now gone unbeaten for three games. Abrahams said: "The mood is upbeat and after two excellent away results it was good to get back to winning ways especially at home.

Although we know it will be hard against Wigan I'm looking forward to it and hopefully be involved."

Simon Betts is another who asked to go on the list earlier this season but his wonder goal and performance in the 2-1 win over York didn't have the look of an unhappy bunny.

Warren Aspinall is in the 16-man squad to face Wigan, the club he started his career at.

The loanee from Brentford made a good impression in the reserve game and will have the midfielders looking over their shoulders.

Otherwise Wadsworth is likely to stick with the team that did so well against York.

Wigan have lost only once since November 7 but could be without goal threat Graeme Jones who is doubtful with a recurrence o a knee injury, while £300,000 signing Simon Howarth from Coventry has a hamstring injury.

The U's youth team meet Rushden & Diamonds in the Eastern Junior Cup quarter finals at Layer Road on Monday, kick off 7.45pm.

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