Colchester United manager Joe Dunne says having Sanchez Watt available again is a big boost for the club.

Watt made his first appearance for nearly four months when he played the final 18 minutes of the U’s 4-0 win over Stevenage, on Boxing Day.

Watt provided the assist for Craig Eastmond to score his second of the game and wrap up an emphatic victory for the U’s, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

And having been without the former Arsenal youngster since late August following a number of injury problems, boss Dunne believes his return is a big lift for everyone.

Dunne said: “It’s great to have Sanchez back.

“We thought about bringing him on against Oldham but the cushion of having three goals gave us more of an opportunity to do it against Stevenage.

“It didn’t destabilise us – it actually put us back on the front foot and that’s important.

“What we have now is competition.

“There’s been an intention from the players who are fit to do well and those who aren’t fit to get back.”

Dunne is also pleased with the U’s two defensive performances which have followed their 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Notts County.

The U’s clean sheet against Stevenage followed hot on the heels of their 2-0 victory at Oldham Athletic.

“It’s very pleasing that we’ve got the two clean sheets,” said Dunne.

“We’ve spoken about not just relying on the back four.

“Everybody has to know the art of defending and that starts at the very top of the pitch.

“We’ve seen what we can achieve when we work hard and when we don’t, it’s very difficult.

“What we’ve seen in the last couple of games especially is ability for players to give their all and go until they have no more.

“We can then change it and then not destabilise our tactics in any shape or form and the changes have to make us stronger.”

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