Sam Walker says Colchester United’s players must give “blood, sweat and tears” in their battle to stay in League One.

The U’s shot-stopper says they have to “stand up and be counted”, ahead of their crucial final 12 games of the season.

Colchester remain two points adrift of safety, following their 1-0 home defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Notts County on Tuesday night.

Walker said: “It really is time now to stand up and be counted.

“Every single one of us must give absolutely everything we have got to fight for our survival.

“I know it all seems doom and gloom at the moment but we cannot go into that mindset.

“We have 12 games left and we must give blood, sweat and tears to remain in this league.”

For more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, including Sam Walker's exclusive weekly column, see Thursday's Daily Gazette.