Colchester United head coach John McGreal believes tomorrow’s home clash with Mansfield Town will serve as a good barometer of his side’s League Two credentials.

The U’s head into their game with the promotion-chasing Stags on the back of taking four points from a possible six from their last two away games, as they attempt to move up the table.

With key players Kurtis Guthrie and Craig Slater returning to the squad after injury, Colchester are confident of claiming victory at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

But they come up against a Mansfield side who head into the clash on the back of an impressive win against leaders Notts County and boss McGreal thinks this weekend’s fixture will be a good test for his team.

McGreal said: “We think we’re a good team but when you’re up against a highly experienced team and management, it’ll give us a further indication of where we are.

“It will be two teams that complement the way we both play – it’s a coming together and one that we’re really looking forward to, because you want to test yourself against one of the best teams in the division.

“It’s going to be a tough game for us.

“Steve Evans is renowned for getting teams out of divisions – he’s got quite a few promotions under his belt and he’s highly experienced.

“He’s got them playing – we played them twice last year and it was tough and he has a new team this year which he just seems to be getting going again.

“We’ll know on Saturday come 5pm where we’re at.”

Colchester claimed four points from a possible six from Steve Evans’ Mansfield side, last season.

The former Leeds United and Rotherham United boss is hoping to lead the Stags to promotion this year and his U’s counterpart McGreal has plenty of respect for the Scot.

“I’ve come up against Steve twice and he’s brilliant to me,” added the U’s boss.

“He’s given me little words of wisdom.

“I don’t know him well but when you’ve got so many promotions under your belt, you come with a reputation and I think Mansfield are showing that and putting one or two wins together.

“But we are too and have had two good away performances with two good results and we’re at home again, so we’re looking forward to it.”