COLCHESTER United derby hero Michael Folivi has revealed watching clips of goal king Jermain Defoe helped inspire his predatory strike against Southend United.

Folivi struck the U’s opening goal in their crucial 2-0 victory over Blues at the JobServe Community Stadium, a result that went a long way to securing them League Two survival.

Folivi has now scored in successive games for Colchester, having been restored to their starting line-up by interim head coach Hayden Mullins.

And the former Watford youngster says he took inspiration from prolific former Spurs and England legend Defoe, who has hit more than 300 goals in his glittering club career.

Folivi said: “I was watching videos of people like Jermain Defoe and it’s all coming into place.

“When the ball is in the box, I’ll back myself against any keeper as a striker.

“The gaffer told me to play further up the pitch.

“Tis (Paul Tisdale) has come in and he’s great – he’s got his information across to me so I’ve got to be a fox in the box and hopefully, my goals will come.

“Hayden played a big part in me coming here.

“I’ve given 100 per cent under every gaffer we’ve had.

“I’ve had a bit of a tough time not making the squad and now I’m back in, scoring goals.

“Sometimes you just bond with others better.

“He believes in me – he’s stuck me up top and given me my chance and hopefully, I’ve repaid him with the two goals.”

Colchester, who recorded back-to-back wins for the first time since December, are now nine points above the relegation zone with three games remaining.

They head to Cheltenham Town on Saturday knowing that they are on the brink of securing their League Two status, for another season following their derby win.

Folivi played in Colchester’s painful 2-0 defeat at Roots Hall, on Boxing Day – and admits avenging that result was a sweet feeling.

Folivi said: “We knew that Southend were going to come out looking to make a sharp start but we stuck to the game plan and it worked.

“We lost to them earlier in the season and despite when it is and where it is, it’s a derby and first and foremost, you win it for the fans – you give everything.

“The game plan worked and we were the better side.

“I had a conversation with my mum earlier and I said ‘it’s a derby and it’s probably my biggest game I’ve had’.

“It was a six pointer and I’ve seen videos of everyone jumping around the house, as well as the fans.

“I’m a football fan and I know what teams do to me, so it was great to get the bragging rights.”