MICHAEL Folivi says he knows exactly how hard it was for Colchester United supporters to see their team struggle this season.

But the U's forward is hoping that their recent back-to-back wins will have lifted their mood.

The 23-year-old has started the U’s last three games but prior to that found himself on the sidelines, due to a combination of injuries and at times, being out of favour.

Folivi’s recent goals has helped Colchester pull to within the brink of League Two safety with two games remaining.

The U's Football League status could be all but secured tonight, if results elsewhere go their way.

And the former Watford youngster says he is hoping their back-to-back home wins have helped to put a smile back on fans’ faces, as a testing season draws to a conclusion.

Folivi said: “League football is a big thing.

“Colchester are a huge club and when I came, I didn’t think we’d be in this position but I hope to say I’ll be a big part in keeping them out of it.

“There’s a buzz in the changing room and it’s been a while since I’ve seen that.

“Training has been good for a while, it’s just that things hadn’t been falling our way.

“It had been a long time coming and I know it’s a hard watch.

“I tried it on iFollow so I know exactly how the fans feel!

“To be fair, we’re playing better football and having more shots on goal and it’s better for them so hopefully, they’re more entertained and happier.

“You know how it is if you’re a football fan – as a player, you can put a smile on someone’s face or ruin the whole weekend, so hopefully we can put smiles on their faces.”

Colchester have taken eight points from a possible 18 since interim head coach Hayden Mullins took over at the end of last month, moving to six points above the relegation zone with two games left.

The U’s crucial back-to-back home wins against Southend United and Walsall last week prior to their narrow defeat at leaders Cheltenham Town followed a miserable run of one win in 25 matches.

“The team spirit I reckon started from the Bolton game really and with the change of management, we had to adapt to it as quickly as possible when there are new ideas coming in,” added Folivi, who has scored six times for Colchester so far, this season.

“They’re just small things really – we had to get the small details right and have everyone on the same page.

“I guess you could see that from Bolton to be fair – we were unfortunate against Oldham but it’s paid off against Walsall and Southend, so we’re all singing from the same hymn sheet.

“It was great to get that win against Walsall for confidence and the gaffer told us to bottle it up.”