BRANDON Comley has revealed the competition for places currently evident within Colchester United's squad is helping them flourish.

John McGreal has plenty of options to choose from in his squad, with the U's head coach having made four changes to each of his last two starting line-ups.

The Colchester boss is set to make alterations to his side again tonight when they host Spurs under-21s in the Leasing.com Trophy Group A clash at the JobServe Community Stadium (kick-off 7.30pm).

The U's have lost only one of their last 12 games in all competitions and midfielder Comley believes a battle for places is driving their players on.

Comley said: “It’s good healthy competition and it’s not like there’s any bickering or anything like that.

“It’s what helps people flourish and it’s not a case of people saying ‘I want his shirt’ and this and that.

“When you get your chance, you take it and if you have the shirt, you know that someone else is waiting to take it off you.

“It always motivates the players to do well and ultimately, it’ll help the team progress and do better.

“It’s a long season and the games are cramped, as we’ve already seen this year so far.

“Touch wood, no-one picks up knocks but these things happen throughout the year and you always need a good squad."

Comley is set to feature again for Montserrat this Sunday when they host El Salvador in their latest CONCACAF Nations League, League B match.

The 23-year-old is also expected to play for them in their qualifier in Dominican Republic, next Tuesday night.

“They’ll be testing games but I’m looking forward to it," said Comley, who will miss the U's trip to play Crawley Town in League Two this weekend because of his international commitments.

“Playing international football and playing against different people opens your horizons and broadens your football knowledge.

“I feel like playing against international players helps me.

“For me personally it’s great going out there – I love it.

“I get to go there with people that I’ve known since I was a kid including my brother (James) which is a real bonus, getting to travel the world and play football with him.

“I’ve been involved in a few squads now.

“It’s an up and coming squad and we’re top of our group now.

"We’re doing quite well for the facilities and everything we’ve got.

“There’s not many people on the island and it’s a small country.

“Most people wouldn’t back us so we’re just trying to prove everyone wrong and we’re trying to show that a small island can do well against all the odds.

“I feel like we’re doing that; we have a good core and I feel that as a team, we’re really together and that helps a lot because you know that if someone isn’t having a great game, you know that your mate’s going to run for you."