Colchester United set for four straight home matches

The U's are preparing for the first of four successive games on home soil when they host Hartlepool United tomorrow night (kick-off 7.45pm).

Colchester have not won at the Community Stadium since beating Exeter City 3-1 at the venue, on November 23.

Wayne Brown's side need points to climb away from the League Two relegation zone.

And with only three home league wins to their name all season, midfielder Skuse they must transform their fortunes at the Community Stadium.

Skuse said: "We have to make the most of these four massive home games and turn around our home form.

"We've not had a win there since the Exeter game - we've got to get that burden away and off our backs."

U's interim boss Brown is likely to make changes to his starting line-up, following the 3-0 defeat at Northampton Town.

The likes of Luke Hannant, Miles Welch-Hayes and Armando Dobra did not make the Colchester squad, for the trip to Sixfields.

"That's a headache for the staff to have," said Skuse.

"They're well within their rights to change the team in any way they want for Tuesday.

"We've lost 3-0 at Northampton so we can't be knocking on his door and asking why we've been dropped.

"There's lads who didn't travel, there's lads who are coming back from injury, there's lads who are sat on the bench.

"It's down to him (Wayne Brown) - that's what he's employed for and here for, to make those sort of decisions."

Skuse has praised Colchester's fans for their support at Northampton.

More than 400 U's supporters were at Sixfields to see their side fall to defeat.

"We can only thank the fans for coming out," said the former Ipswich Town midfielder.

"I know it's not one of the longer journeys and we're sorry not to get the win.

"It hurts when you walk across after the game and you clap their support and you can fully appreciate their frustrations.

"They're travelling around the country and we are geographically challenged where we are; it's not easy to get anywhere especially the recent conditions.

"We can't thank them enough for making the effort and making the journey up the A14.

"It was a tough one to swallow.

"We've come to Northampton who are flying high and lost 3-0 and it's a huge hit to take, being where we are.

"It's going to sound stupid but we've actually not played too badly, in patches and I don't think it was a 3-0 game.

"We gave it a really good go but to come away having lost 3-0 is hugely disappointing.

"You have to give credit to them - they won 3-0, their at home and they're good at what they do.

"But the three goals were avoidable for me and we've got to be a little more ruthless in the final third, as a collective.

"There were loads of positives to take from it but we can't keep saying that - we need to put points on the board."

Skuse has started Colchester's last two matches, having recovered from a head injury suffered at Leyton Orient earlier this month.

The 35-year-old suffered a gash to his head and has been sporting a headband in the U's last two matches, as a result.

Skuse added: "It was quite a naughty one - it was quite deep and it required quite a few stitches.

"At the time, you want to carry on playing but with all of the protocols in place, you have to be as cautious as you can."