Jack Marriott will risk the wrath of some of his relatives at Bramall Lane tonight.

But the striker has no hesitation in doing so if it means he has helped boost Colchester United’s survival chances.

Marriott, who is on loan at the U’s from Ipswich Town, is hoping to play a part against Sheffield United.

And should he inflict any damage on the pitch tonight, he will have some of his Blades-supporting family to answer to.

“It’s a big occasion for us and my family are from up there,” said Marriott, who was at Wembley to watch Sheffield United play Burnley in the 2009 Championship Play-Off Final.

“My dad was actually a season-ticket holder there, when he was a kid.

“I’m really looking forward to the game.

“Sheffield United seem to be doing quite well but I’m very confident we can go up there and cause an upset.

“They’re up there challenging and they have massive crowds there every week.

“It’s an intimidating stadium but I fancy us to go up there and get something.”

Marriott is hoping to help Colchester bounce back following their 3-2 home reverse against Crewe Alexandra, last weekend.

The 20-year-old came off the bench to score his first goal for the U’s with six minutes to go but it proved too little, too late.

Marriott said: “It was a massive shame to lose against Crewe but we’ve just got to go again.

“We’ve got some strong characters in the dressing room and we’ll definitely bounce back.

“We’re more than capable of turning this around.”

Marriott has so far made two substitute appearances for Colchester since joining them on loan from Ipswich, last month.

The young striker was happy to get his U’s account up and running - but disappointed the Crewe game ended in defeat.

“It was good to get off the mark,” added Marriott, who is on loan at Colchester until the end of the season.

“I’ve been working very hard in training and it’s about learning different roles in the team.

“I was really pleased to get a few more minutes (against Crewe) and get a goal.

“I pride myself on scoring goals and I’m delighted to have scored it - I just wish it had been on better terms.

“We just need to bounce back tonight and get a good result up at Sheffield United.”

For a full preview of the U's game with Sheffield United, see Tuesday's Daily Gazette.