Frank Nouble says he is relishing spearheading Colchester United’s attack – and doing battle with League Two’s centre-backs.

The 26-year-old striker has been an ever present so far in the league for the U’s, who are currently the division’s joint leading scorers with 14 goals.

Nouble is yet to get off the mark for Colchester since joining them from Newport County this summer but was unlucky not to score in their 1-1 draw at Tranmere Rovers last weekend and has impressed in his performances.

The former West Ham United youngster says he is happy to lead the line for John McGreal’s side, as they chase a first promotion in 13 years.

Nouble said: “I’m enjoying my role, playing up front on my own.

“If I had a partner up there I think I’d enjoy that as well but overall, it’s gone well.

“If I’m asked to play out wide, I’d be ready to do that.

“Last year, I played out wide at Newport but if I can use my power and my strength up front down the middle, there won’t be many centre-halves that want that.

“I’ve settled in – I knew a few of the boys beforehand.

“It honestly doesn’t matter where I go, I settle in straight away – I’ve been to that many places that I probably know one or two players in most changing rooms!

“It’s been a positive start to the season but there’s a very long way to go.

“I think we’ve shown how we want to play.

“The manager has got a certain way that he wants to play and has added new players, including myself.

“It’s about adapting together knowing that we can go different ways as we have more options this year.

“The fans want to see good football and effort, just like any others.

“If I’m scoring as well, I’m sure I’ll be even more loved.

“If one goal comes, the others will follow.

“I think the fans can see in our performances that we’re trying and doing the right things – results come with that.”

With nearly 250 career appearances under his belt so far, Nouble is one of the more experienced members in what is a young Colchester squad.

The powerful forward says he is enjoying being a guiding influence to the U’s fledgling players.

“It’s a bit like last year at Newport – the squad was quite young there too and I was seen to be one of the leaders,” said Nouble.

“It just happened to be that way and boys look up to you.

“But a lot of the boys here have played a lot of games.

“It’s a case of trying to get that young, naïve mentality out of them.

“If things aren’t going great, just keep going.

“We’ve had a few words in training about that – we have to keep going because we have the ability to do that.

“I think that’s what we’ve added to the team with myself, Norris and Pelly.

“We’re all different, which is good.

“Everyone has competition and you have to be on your game.”