Colchester United manager John Ward is calling on his team and the club’s fans to rise to the challenge when Southampton visit tomorrow.

With the Saints likely to bring several thousand supporters alongside their reputation as one of npower League One’s biggest clubs, Ward has called on the U’s own backers and players to “stand up and be counted”.

Ward said: “We have produced some really strong performances and results here and we are going to need to do that tomorrow because we are playing a team who I consider to be the best team in the league.

“I know Brighton are top at the moment, but I think Southampton have some real flair players, some good goal scorers, good guys at the back and a good record.

“So it is a big game for us, but I don’t mind that.

“What I have said isn’t a frightener, it is an incentive for our players and our supporters to stand up and be counted."

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