Sean Clohessy admits Colchester United’s players must take responsibility for the club’s lowly league position.

And the U’s defender says they must up their efforts if they are to move out of League One’s relegation zone.

Colchester head to promotion-chasing MK Dons this weekend, determined to halt a run of three successive league defeats. And Clohessy, who is likely to skipper the U’s in the absence of sidelined Magnus Okuonghae, knows the players must rise to the challenge.

He said: “It’s the first time we’ve had a wobble like this, under the new regime.

“Everything has been quite positive in terms of wins and draws, so now the boys are going to have to step up.

“We need to work hard in training and make sure that we do all of the gym work.

“The gaffer puts us out there but only the boys can make us better and get us results."