Joe Dunne has told his Colchester United players to stay at home if they are not ready to battle for the badge tomorrow.

The U’s boss wants his struggling side to come out fighting in their League One relegation clash with Scunthorpe United, who lie a point below them in the table.

Colchester head into the vital showdown desperate to avoid setting a new club record of nine successive league defeats.

Defeat would also see the U’s drop into the relegation zone but Dunne believes his players are feeling bullish about their chances of victory.

Dunne said: “These are big games that you have to step up to."

See Friday's Daily Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, including a full preview of their vital clash with Scunthorpe United.