Joe Dunne has admitted he is finding it hard to leave players out of his Colchester United starting line-up this season.

The U’s have made an impressive start to the new League One campaign, after winning both of their opening two games.

Senior players such as Clinton Morrison, Marcus Bean and Andy Bond have all had to be content with a place on the bench.

And the likes of club captain Kem Izzet and Daniel Pappoe have not even been among the substitutes against Port Vale or Gillingham.

Dunne, who picked Sanchez Watt ahead of Bean for the win over Port Vale, admitted he doesn’t relish leaving players out of his side.

He said: “In some ways it’s a nice problem to have but it’s not easy to pick your strongest team.

“I don’t find it easy to leave anyone out at the moment.

“That’s how I feel; other managers would say it’s great but I actually don’t enjoy leaving out players who are working hard.

“We left a lot of good players out and I believe any changing room is only as good as its senior pros and I got some exceptional ones.

“There are some who haven’t been picked and some who were on the bench and they’ve been key for us.

“When we win, we all win but I don’t expect anyone to be happy when they’re not playing.

“But I felt it was the right decision against Port Vale and it worked.

“But we’re two games down with a lot more to go - every game is a cup final, in the league campaign.”

Meanwhile, Dunne believes Gavin Massey has a big future in the game, following his match-winning display against Port Vale.

Massey struck the U’s winner in their 1-0 triumph and the former Watford youngster can go far in the game, according to Dunne.

Dunne said: “Gavin finished last season really strongly and I think that he can score ten goals this season.

“We give our forwards targets and Gavin can get in at the back post and score goals.

“He has an energy system and work rate that I don’t think he’s had before.

“He can run back and defend as well and if he can do all of that, I think he’s got a very bright future in the game.

“I think anyone looking at him would be impressed and his attitude is wonderful in training.

“You can play him anywhere and he’s a real big asset to the team.”

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.