Joe Dunne is confident Colchester United can rise to the challenge against Wolves tomorrow – despite being without an entire team of players.

The U’s injury crisis which has plagued them over recent weeks shows no sign of easing, ahead of their biggest home game of the season so far.

Key players such as Sanchez Watt, Gavin Massey, Tom Eastman and Ryan Dickson all remain sidelined.

However, U’s boss Dunne has been pleased with the response of the players who have stayed fit, following three successive draws in League One.

And he is expects more of the same fighting spirit against a Wolves side who are targeting an immediate return to the Championship, following their relegation last season.

Dunne said: “It’s a wonderful challenge for us against Wolves and a great test.

“It’s exciting rather than daunting and the youngsters shouldn’t have any fear.

“I think they’ll thrive on the occasion and they have that confidence about them.

“The players who have been fit have done exceptionally well and deserve a lot of credit for what they’ve done over the last few weeks.

“We have actually got a whole team out injured at the moment.

“But when we haven’t got our best team available, we focus on what we have got. Whatever team we put out we will need to be at our best.

“We won’t be able to carry anyone, that’s for sure.

“As a player, I didn’t get many opportunities to play against big clubs but in League One, there are many challenges.

“Wolves certainly possess a lot of quality in their squad.

“They’re a huge club steeped in wonderful tradition and in Kenny Jackett, they have a manager who did very well at Millwall.”

Colchester are expecting a bumper crowd for the Wolves clash, as they aim to secure their first win in seven league matches.

“The stadium will be busy which is important and it’s a game that we should be looking forward to,” said Dunne, who is keen to extend the loan spells of Jeffrey Monakana, Luke Garbutt and Matt Taylor.

“Our fan base is around 3,500 and Wolves will probably bring around the same numbers.

“I’m sure that our fans will make a lot of noise, like they always do. I’ve always said that the ones who come are true Col U fans and we appreciate everything they do for us.

“Without them, I think we’d be in a very difficult situation.

“It should be a good crowd and our goal is to produce that kind of gate on a regular basis.”

The U’s will host a Family Day tomorrow, with activities such as live music, face-painting and bungee-running all on offer on the day.

Probable U’s line-up (4-2-3-1): Walker, Wilson, Okuonghae, Taylor, Garbutt, David Wright, Eastmond, Gilbey, Monakana, Sears, Ibehre.