COLCHESTER United boss John McGreal is undaunted by the prospect of two long away trips - and says spending so much time together will add to the already-positive team spirit within his camp.

The U's make the long trip to Morecambe tomorrow followed by another trek north on Tuesday night, to Grimsby Town.

McGreal is unfazed by both journeys and believes they represent a good opportunity for his players to spend some quality time together.

“I think it’s great being away together," he said.

“The chairman was great in giving us a chance to have a little tour in pre-season.

“Those four or five days really helped in getting to know each other and whatever division you're in, you have to travel.

“It’s part and parcel of the job.

"I think we’ve only had one where it hasn’t been an overnight stay this season and that was at Stevenage.

“Every other one we’ve had has been an overnight stay, but it’s given the boys a chance to get to know one another.

“They’ve been living in each other’s pockets.

“Morecambe is one of the longest trips we have, after Carlisle and Exeter.

"But I think this is a good part of the season to have it."

McGreal has no fresh injuries but has a decision to make in goal, with Rene Gilmartin given the nod last weekend at the expense of Dillon Barnes.

“I’ve said on numerous occasions that I’m not scared to make decisions if it’s right for the team and the club," said the U's boss.

“It will be my decision if changes are made.

“People come to me with things, but ultimately it’s my decision.

“My head is on the chopping block, no-one else’s and I have to make decisions how I see fit.

“I felt Dillon needed a rest; he hasn’t been dropped.

“He needs that rest because young players need rest and we don’t want him burnt out.

“Historically, we've had injuries with young boys here so we don’t want that to happen and we’re trying to learn from past histories with injuries.

“Sometimes we've had to play the boys through niggles and injuries and loss of form, but we have that competition for places this year where we can move players around.

“It may not work all the time but it did work last week."