Colchester United head coach John McGreal insists it is only a matter of time before his goal-shy attacking players start finding the back of the net again.

The U’s have struggled in front of goal over recent weeks and have failed to score a single goal in more than four and a half hours of football in League Two.

Having been one of the division’s leading scorers in the opening weeks of the season, Colchester have managed just four goals in their last seven matches despite carving out numerous opportunities, in their 1-0 defeat at Doncaster Rovers last weekend.

However, boss McGreal is confident in the fire-power he has at the club and is backing his forwards to return to the goal trail, sooner rather than later.

McGreal said: “We have to try and score goals but we have quality players in those areas and it’s only a matter of time before it does click for them.

“It’s just about the individual at the time taking that chance and that’s why the forwards get paid the bigger money in the game, at every level.”

McGreal was pleased with the impact of the attacking players he brought off the bench at Doncaster, as Colchester frustratingly came away from the Keepmoat empty-handed.

Macauley Bonne, Dion Sembie-Ferris and Denny Johnstone all looked lively after coming on as second-half substitutes, in the narrow defeat.

“The subs came on and changed the dynamic of the forward line and I thought they were excellent,” said McGreal.

“It’s not even about the bodies that we’re missing because I thought the XI who played at Doncaster and the subs were excellent.”

Bonne’s appearance at Doncaster was his first for Colchester since returning from his loan spell at National League outfit Lincoln City, last week.

The 20-year-old made seven appearances for the Imps during his brief spell with Danny Cowley’s side, scoring once.

Bonne is now back to battle for his place at Colchester and boss McGreal said the decision for the striker to return a little earlier than scheduled was agreed upon by both parties.

McGreal said: “We’re delighted to have Macca back.

“It was a decision by both sides to bring him back.

“He had a week or two left but Lincoln wanted him to play in the FA Cup but we didn’t want that to happen.

“He went straight back into the squad and got on the pitch as well.”