ABO Eisa is adamant that Colchester United’s players still believe they can make the League Two play-offs – despite their recent losing run.

The U’s lost 2-0 against Tranmere Rovers to slide to a third straight defeat and are now four points adrift of the top seven.

Colchester have seven games remaining, with a trip to Cambridge United next up for John McGreal’s side.

And after marking his recall to the U’s starting line-up after a four-game absence with an eye-catching display, winger Eisa is still confident they can clinch a play-off spot.

“Everyone’s still believing,” said Eisa, who saw his second-half free-kick against Tranmere pushed onto the woodwork by keeper Scott Davies.

“It hurts to lose but if everyone’s hurting, it means a lot to the players.

“I believe 100 per cent that we’ll get it back on and we’ll make the play-offs.

“Time’s running out but seven games is still a lot, at the same time.

“It’s a local derby against Cambridge next and I’m sure Colchester’s fans will be there to support us.

“We need their support at the moment and if when we win, that should boost our morale.

“I thought we were the better team (against Tranmere), especially in the first half.

“Their goal came against the run of play, maybe due to some mistakes from our side.

“I thought my free-kick was going in and it was a great save by the keeper.

“Even when he hit it, I still thought that it was going to creep in but it hit the post.

“If we score there, it might have changed the game and at 2-1, I think we’re in a good position to come back.

“We do need to tighten up at the back and start scoring goals, as well.

“Both are kind of not happening at the moment but it needs to happen soon.”

Eisa produced a man-of-the-match display against Tranmere, following his return to Colchester’s starting line-up.

The on-loan Shrewsbury Town attacker had been on the bench for the U’s previous four matches and admits that has been a frustrating experience.

“I’m delighted to be back in the team but it’s obviously frustrating when you lose,” said Eisa, who joined Colchester on loan in January.

“You just have to channel that energy into something positive and hopefully, I can put in another performance like that when we win.

“I’m happy to get the chance to help the team out and I’m going to try my best when I’m chosen.

“It’s football – you go through stages where you’re playing well and times when you’re left out.

“But you just have to keep working hard in training, stay positive and when you get your chance, try and take it.

“Right now, it’s just about the team – Colchester want to get promoted and I want to be a part of that, even if I’m not here next year or whatever.”