COLCHESTER United head coach John McGreal insists his young players have the mental steel to cope with the rigours of a promotion push.

The U’s are set for a nail-biting run-in, sitting just two points outside the League Two play-offs heading into a crunch double-header of fixtures over Easter.

They host promoted Doncaster Rovers this afternoon before making the long trip to Morecambe on Monday.

But despite having so much at stake, McGreal believes his talented young group are enjoying and thriving on the pressure.

“There’s all to play for and I love this point of the season,” said the U’s chief.

“I’ve been involved in relegations before and it’s tough when you’re down there, scrapping for a win.

“But when you’re at the other table there’s a real buzz and that’s what we’ve got here, knowing we’re only a couple of points outside the play-offs.

“If you can’t look forward to weekends like this and these moments then you’re in the wrong game.

“It brings a different pressure but it’s a pressure the boys are thriving on and enjoying.

“It’s going to be tough because there are six or seven teams around us, all looking to get into the play-offs and with the same aspirations.

“They’ll be saying the same things in the media.

“It’s always been drummed into me to take it one game at a time, though.

“You can’t get ahead of yourself, so it’s about trying to get the right result on Friday, recovering and then going again on Monday.

“It’s so exciting and we couldn’t have forecast this, back in November time.

“Four or five months down the line, we’re still in with a shout and all credit goes to the boys.

“We’ve got our injuries – those seven players who would be in or around the 11.

“But other boys have come in and done unbelievably well.”

McGreal knows that in order to secure a play-off spot, his side will have to do it the hard way.

Doncaster have already been promoted while their title rivals, Plymouth Argyle, also have to visit the Weston Homes Community Stadium, on April 22.

However, the U’s boss is sure today’s opponents will be going all-out for another victory, despite having already secured League One football.

“Congratulations to (Rovers manager) Darren (Ferguson) and his team for their fully-deserved promotion,” said McGreal.

“They’re the best team in the league and Darren rightly got the accolades at the EFL Awards.

“They’ve been consistent and they’ve got goal-scorers, as well as being really sound defensively.

“They’ve done particularly well for the majority of the season.

“I’m sure they won’t take their foot off the gas, though, and they’ll want to win the championship.

“They’re on a roll and I’m sure they’ll want to go unbeaten until the end of the season.

“It’s about due diligence for other clubs, too.

“You don’t want anyone to take their foot off the pedal and I certainly wouldn’t let that happen if I was in charge of a promoted side.

“You’d want to keep going and pushing to win games of football, as they’ve done all season, and I can’t see anything changing.

“It’s a great game, from our point of view, and one to really look forward to.

“We’ve been waiting for these big games and they tend to bring the best out of us and our fans.

“We’re aspiring to be where Doncaster are.

“I’m sure they’ll bring a big following down and we’re expecting a big crowd and a good atmosphere.

“We’ve been giving our fans a lot to cheer about at home.

“We’re hoping they’ll come in their numbers again, keep giving us their support and keep banging that drum in the South Stand.”

McGreal admitted Doug Loft could come back into contention, having made a return to action on Monday afternoon, as the U’s under-23s took on Cardiff City at Florence Park.

Loft, who has been sidelined for much of the season with injury, played 45 minutes against the Bluebirds in the latest Development League fixture.

However, the U’s will be without midfielder Owen Garvan, whose departure from the club for “personal reasons” was confirmed on Tuesday.

McGreal said there was little to add to the club’s statement.

“It’s been going on for a while,” he said.

“Both sides have now reached an agreement that it’s best for him to move on.

“Owen did terrifically well for us, at a time when we needed that experience and quality, to help get us out of the position we were in.”