MORECAMBE boss Ged Brannan is expecting Colchester United to be a 'totally different animal' when they face them at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium tomorrow.

The U's make the long trip up to Lancashire this week under the helm of Danny and Nicky Cowley, who have led them to two draws since taking over from Matty Etherington earlier this month.

Colchester have also added a number of new signings in the January transfer window, as they attempt to pull away from League Two danger.

Morecambe, who lie six points off the play-off places, ran out 3-1 winners when the sides last met at the JobServe Community Stadium last October, after JJ McKiernan's hat-trick sealed the visitors victory, despite playing for more an hour with only ten men following James Connolly's first-half red card.

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Both clubs have appointed new managers since that match and former Manchester City midfielder Brannan, who succeeded Derek Adams as Morecambe boss last November, is expecting a tough test.

Brannan told the Morecambe FC website: “They’re there for a reason.

“Obviously they’ve got new managers in who are doing really well and they’ll be a totally different animal against us on Saturday.

“If we want to get to the play-offs, we’ve got to beat teams like this especially at home and we’ve got to go on another good run and take us right up the table, which I’m sure we’re capable of.

“It’s just how we approach Saturday’s game and we’ll have them right at it.

Gazette:

“They’ll be a totally different team.

“We’ve watched videos of them and they play a totally different style and they pass the ball a lot more.

“But we need to concentrate on us on Saturday, come out with our game plan and we’ll be OK.

“But right from the first whistle, we’ve got to be right up for it, as though we’re playing one of the top teams.

“We’ve got to get in our heads the attitude that we’re playing a top team and we’ve got a really hard game and we’ll be OK.”