COLCHESTER United winger Courtney Senior believes the club's cup heroics can go hand in hand with league success.

Although out of the FA Cup, the U's have a Carabao Cup quarter-final date at Manchester United on the horizon and are also through to the second round of the Leasing.com Trophy.

Excitement is building ahead of the eagerly-awaited trip to Old Trafford on Wednesday, December 18.

However, Senior sees no reason why it should be a distraction and insists he and his team-mates will be fully focused and prepared for their upcoming League Two fixtures.

They have key matches against Cheltenham Town, Salford City and Scunthorpe United before facing the Red Devils.

“The cup run can really help in terms of our league form, which is still our bread and butter," said Senior.

“It should give us even more confidence to go into matches and get three points.

“I’ve heard people say that a cup run can become a distraction but I don’t see it that way.

“I think the two can go hand in hand and the cup run can push us on.

“We’re already doing well in the league but this can only help.

“Everyone was delighted to get through to the next round and especially to then be drawn against United.

“We’ve already played a couple of big boys from the Premier League, in Crystal Palace and Tottenham.

“So we won’t go into the tie with any fear.

"We’ve just got to do what we do and concentrate on our own game."

A regular in the U's team this season, Senior has chipped in with three goals, including a couple in recent victories against Newport County and Mansfield Town.

He also notched in the Carabao Cup first-round tie against Swindon Town, in August.

“I’m doing OK, although I still feel I can do better," added the 22-year-old.

“My end product is getting better and I’m working hard in training.

“We’ve got a great squad and everyone’s fighting for their position in the team.

“The team spirit is immense and that’s helped us in recent matches when we’ve gone behind.

“Last year it seemed harder to do that but this time there’s even more spirit and belief that we can get something from every game.”