FRANK Nouble believes promotion is a ‘realistic’ target for in-form Colchester United, this season.

But the powerful U’s striker says they do not want to say too much, too soon about their chances of going up.

Colchester lie fourth in League Two, three points off the automatic promotion places following just one defeat in their opening nine games.

They are the leading goalscorers in the division and forward Nouble says a top-three finish is the main aim, this season.

Nouble told the Daily Gazette: “Promotion is realistic – we talk about it every week.

“We want to stay in the top seven all season and hopefully, the top three and by Christmas, push on – that’s the goal.

“But at the same time, we try to talk it down and we know that every team in this league is fighting.”

Colchester are now preparing for back-to-back home games against sides who currently reside below them in the table.

John McGreal’s side host 12th-placed Bury at the JobServe Community Stadium on Saturday, before entertaining Yeovil Town, who are sixth, next Tuesday.

Colchester have won three of their opening four league fixtures at the venue this season, scoring 12 times in the process and striker Nouble says they need to come out of the blocks quickly.

“When they come down here and see the stadium, they’re going to want to play football,” said former West Ham United youngster Nouble.

“But we have to hit them straight away and show them that we’re a good side.

“I think Colchester were the only team to beat us (Newport) twice last season.

“I came from a team that did well last year and they’re still up there, which I’m happy for.

“As long as we’re on top of them and we both get promoted, that’s all I ask.

“When I came in with Luke Norris and Harry Pell, I knew straight away in pre-season that there’s a goal here.”

Tom Lapslie is edging towards a return to match action following knee surgery last month.

The tenacious midfielder has missed Colchester’s last five games through injury.

But he is likely to make his comeback for the U’s under-23s side when they host neighbours Ipswich Town at Florence Park, next Monday.