Robbie Cowling has vowed to back Aidy Boothroyd in his quest to sign loan duo John-Joe O’Toole and Kayode Odejayi.

Colchester United manager Boothroyd wants to secure the pair on a permanent basis when the transfer window reopens next month.

The U’s boss has been talking to former club Watford in his attempts to bring in young midfielder O’Toole.

Boothroyd has also been in negotiations with Barnsley over striker Odejayi.

Both players have made a big impression for Colchester since arriving on loan in September.

U’s chairman Cowling has promised to support Boothroyd, in his attempts to snare the Coca-Cola Championship duo.

Cowling told the Gazette: “If we can pull off those two signings, we will be very happy.

“I will certainly do my best to support the manager as best I can.

“We are not in quite the same position to dip into the market as we were before – we have a big squad already.

“But we will do our best to sign up a couple of the loan players we have had and possibly more.

“I think the difference now is that we’re looking to sign Championship players.”

Cowling has praised Boothroyd and his players for their performance over the last three months.

The U’s have lost only two of their 17 games under Boothroyd and lie fourth in Coca-Cola League One.

“It’s a tough league and everyone knows that,” said Cowling.

“But we felt good going into the season and I think we’re about where we should be, at this stage of the season.

“It shows what a good job Aidy has done since he came to the club.

“But it also shows the club is not all about Paul Lambert.

“We have got some very good players here and it is also testament to them that we’re up there challenging.

“We have a big squad but we know it will be tough and we will need a bit of fortune along the way.”

Cowling heralded the loyalty U’s fans have shown, in the first half of the season.

Cowling added: “It’ll be nice to get a bit more support.

“But I cannot question the loyalty of the fans that are coming to see us.

“They have really upped their game this season and the away support has been fantastic.

“We have some big games coming up and I think we will see a difference in the crowds.”