JOHN McGreal says it was the ‘right time’ to bring goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin into his Colchester United starting line-up.

But the U’s head coach insists that the experienced shot-stopper is not guaranteed his place in the side ahead of their home clash with Swindon Town tomorrow – much like any other player in his squad.

After Dillon Barnes had started Colchester's first 14 games of the season between the sticks, Gilmartin has since featured in their last four matches in League Two since getting the nod against Crawley Town, last month.

The U's player-coach has helped them claim nine points out of 12 and concede just two goals, in that time.

The former Watford goalkeeper, who spent time on the sidelines earlier in the season with a broken finger, has helped the U’s keep clean sheets in three of their last five games in all competitions.

But despite being pleased with Gilmartin’s form, boss McGreal says Barnes still remains a big part of his plans.

McGreal said: “It’s a rotation.

“I feel as though Rene needed games and we had to wait two months for him to be fit because of his finger injury.

“Rene would have been involved prior to when he came in.

“We’ve had three out of five clean sheets and it’s been the right time to bring Rene in.

“But that’s not to say that he plays on Saturday, because we know how well Dillon has done.

“It was just to rest Dillon up and to rotate it and make sure that everyone is up to speed.”

Colchester are back at the JobServe Community Stadium this weekend, fresh from their impressive 1-0 win over leaders Lincoln City last Saturday.

The U’s attracted their biggest home crowd of the campaign against the Imps.

Boss McGreal is hoping for a similar turnout against Swindon, as they bid to rise into the top three.

“I thought our fans were excellent, last weekend,” said McGreal.

“Lincoln brought nearly 1,200 and we had just under 4,000 so we’ve definitely upped our numbers and you can tell with the noise which was fantastic.

“We hope they come in numbers and we do need that atmosphere.

“At times when we don’t have that goal start, we need the fans from minute one.

“Fans, players and football clubs go hand in hand.

“I think you can see the relationship there between the fans and the team, both on and off the pitch.”