ABO Eisa can play his part in Colchester United's play-off push between now and the end of the season.

That's the view of U's boss John McGreal, who believes the on-loan winger can help them in their League Two promotion push.

After scoring on his Colchester debut in a 4-0 win at Northampton Town last month, Eisa has found his starting opportunities limited over recent weeks.

The 23-year-old has not started for the U's since the 1-1 draw with Carlisle United, on February 23.

But the on-loan Shrewsbury Town attacker has made regular appearances off the bench and boss McGreal insists he has a part to play.

McGreal said: “Abs has had his starts but if you look at the Macclesfield game, he didn’t perform to a good level, like a few of the boys.

“They found themselves out of the team and that’s where we are, if you don’t perform to a good level.

“Prior to that, he was excellent.

“I’ve had a good chat with him and what Abs is doing is brilliant for us, coming on and affecting games from the bench.

“He’s on loan – he’s come to play games and we understand that.

“But the performances of Noubs (Frank Nouble) and Courtney (Senior) also has made it a little bit hard for him to get that game time.

“But we still have eight games left – we have him until the end of the season.

“He’s a terrific boy – he trains hard and continues to do his extra work.

“He wants to improve his own game and that’s all we ask from him."

Colchester host Tranmere this weekend, looking to get back on track after successive defeats.

The U's lie a point off the play-off places and face an in-form Rovers side who have won each of their last five matches, in League Two.

Ben Stevenson has trained this week and should shrug off a groin injury to play.

And midfielder Tom Lapslie has returned to training on grass, following his hamstring injury.

But Harry Pell, Brandon Comley and Louis Dunne all remain sidelined.