DANNY Cowley says his new-look Colchester United squad are learning about each other every day as they plot another cup shock.

The U's host Premier League side Brentford in the Carabao Cup second round at the JobServe Community Stadium aiming to pull another surprise, following their victory over League One outfit Reading in the competition earlier this month.

Colchester have made 11 new signings so far this summer with more potentially to follow before Friday's transfer deadline.

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And ahead of tonight's clash, U's boss Cowley says he is enjoying seeing his squad gelling together.

Cowley said: “We’re really excited to work with each other every day and we’re learning about each other, every day.

“I think the players are learning about how we work and the processes and the game idea and the more we work together, the better the understanding will be and then the more consistent performances will be.”

Cowley made five changes to his Colchester starting line-up for the Reading tie and is expected to utilise his squad again tonight.

(Image: Richard Blaxall)

The U's are hoping Lyle Taylor will be fit to feature following his recent calf injury, while the likes of former Bees midfielder Arthur Read, Owura Edwards and Fiacre Kelleher are also pushing for starts.

Cowley says he will take into consideration his side's long trip to play Accrington Stanley this weekend, when selecting tonight's team.

"The difference between this game and the game against Reading is that it comes on a Wednesday, which is an issue to us with an away game on Saturday," said the U's boss.

"We have to consider all these things.

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"It doesn't give us much more turnaround time between Wednesday and Saturday."

Colchester will be aiming to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Harrogate Town, last weekend.

The U's were beaten 1-0 by Town despite a dominant display where they bossed the possession and chances.

Cowley added: "We try to stay process driven and a lot of our play against Harrogate was good.

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

"I genuinely think we'll get over that disappointment and we'll be a good team.

"The supporters saw how we played; they were with us throughout and were brilliant at the end.

"I think they understand that this is football and it's why we love it - I genuinely mean that.

"Football sometimes just doesn't make sense!"