WAYNE Brown says having players away on international duty will give others an opportunity to shine for Colchester United.

The U's host Tranmere Rovers today without Tyreik Wright, Tommy Smith and Armando Dobra, who are all away playing for their respective countries.

Brown says the club 'weighed up' the possibility of requesting a postponement of today's League Two clash at the JobServe Community Stadium.

EFL clubs are permitted to request a postponement if they have three or more players away on international duty, during the season.

However, U's interim boss Brown says the absence of players will give others the chance to take the spotlight.

Brown said: “It was one of those situations where we weighed it up and we felt that we’ve got enough players if you like to crack on.

“With Smudger, Ty (pictured below) and Dobs not being around, it does give other people an opportunity.

Gazette:

“Everyone here is pushing for a start.

“That’s got to be the mentality of the group – both as individuals and as a collective.

“Everybody wants to start games of football and if they don’t, then they’re in the wrong game and they’re certainly at the wrong club.

“We need people who are hungry and driven for that shirt.

“It’s been proven that if players are injured or away on international duty, they’ve got to be ready when called upon.

“In the main since I’ve been here this season, they have been.

“You want to try and get that equality not just in the first team but throughout the club.

“If you’re performing well and you’re doing all that you can, then you should then be given the opportunity when the time is right to come into the first-team environment from the 23s.

Gazette:

“Big Tom Eastman (pictured above) has been patient for a number of weeks.

“He gets an opportunity against Bristol Rovers and does well and he keeps his shirt.

“That’s the sort of mentality I want to create throughout, not just with the first team but that won’t happen overnight.

“There needs to be opportunities for young players who have been patient who do come in and do well to keep the shirt."

Brown has decisions to make ahead of today's game.

Corie Andrews, Junior Tchamadeu and Donell Thomas all came off the bench and made a positive impression in the 1-0 defeat to Forest Green Rovers, on Monday night.

“Every game is different," said Brown.

Gazette:

“Big John (Akinde, pictured above) up top is unique and he gives us something that no other individual in the team can.

“Junior is coming on and impacting the game in a different position.

“He came on and had a really positive impact and hit the post.

“It also depends on what bodies you have at your disposal, as well.

“We have three lads away on international duty and they’ll be missing on Saturday, so that will play a part.

“But it gives other people opportunity like young Donell (Thomas), who came on and impacted the game in a really big way.

“He looked confident and composed, coming on in a League Two game against the best team in the league.

Gazette:

“So for his development it’s great but it also proves that we can call upon the likes of Donell (pictured above) and the 23s when the squad does get stretched."

Brown took a good look at Colchester's opponents Tranmere when he watched their 1-1 draw at Sutton United, last weekend.

Brown added: “It’s about giving yourself the best chance to prepare the lads the best way that you can to win a game of football.

“I’m really not bothered and don’t care how other teams get on around us.

“If we get ourselves right and we put points on the board, then we haven’t got to worry about anybody else.

“Going out and watching games gives us a chance to do that – you put the hours in and you’re doing all you can to prepare the lads to win games of football.

“That’s all you can concentrate on – it’s about us preparing my group of players to win games of football."