Clinton Morrison admits a goal shortage has left him wondering when he will next find the net for Colchester United.

The experienced striker has hit the target an impressive 172 times during an illustrious playing career.

But the 34-year-old has managed just two goals for the U’s this season and has failed to score since netting in their 3-0 win over Gillingham, in January.

Morrison has relished his role as Colchester’s main forward in the absence of the injured Jabo Ibehre and has started their last three games.

But the U’s suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of Bradford City, on Tuesday night.

And the former Republic of Ireland international concedes he is frustrated with his own goal drought, a rare occurrence for a striker who has been prolific throughout his career.

Morrison said: “This hasn’t happened to me in football - it’s only happened at Colchester and it’s hard to take at the moment.

Colchester lie just three points above the bottom four in League One, following the Bradford defeat.

Joe Dunne’s side head to Crawley Town on Saturday, knowing a win will help ease their relegation fears.

“The gaffer has told us to stick together and not to show any frustration,” added Morrison.

“We’ll have more games like the Bradford one throughout our careers and we just have to keep going and try and turn it around, this weekend.

“Crawley’s pitch is probably as bad as ours and it’s going to be bobbly but you have to compete.

“Playing against a John Gregory team will probably be a bit like playing against a Phil Parkinson side.

“It will be a battle but we have to stay in the game and see where we go.”

For more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, including a three-page preview of the U's trip to play Crawley Town, see Thursday's Daily Gazette.