COLCHESTER United legend Karl Duguid believes his former side have their best squad for years - and are the cream of the crop in League Two.

The ex-midfielder has been among many impressed onlookers this season, watching on as the club have put themselves in with a strong shout of promotion.

Colchester have been brought back to earth after losing their last two fixtures, against Grimsby Town and Port Vale.

But prior to that they produced some of their best football of the season in dismantling title-chasing Plymouth Argyle 3-0.

And they recently went 16 matches without losing, before surprisingly coming unstuck at Cambridge United.

Duguid is backing his old club to bounce back from their recent losses and believes they are perfectly placed for a promotion push.

"Colchester have a very, very strong squad - probably the strongest and biggest they've had for years," he said.

"They've brought players in and there aren't as many youngsters in there at the moment.

"There's a lot of experience in the squad, when you consider people like Harry Pell, Tom Eastman, Luke Prosser, Dean Gerken, Theo Robinson, Callum Harriott and Frank Nouble.

"They're a very good team and it really feels like they're going for it this season.

"I believe they have the strongest squad in the division.

"They should be up there, although there are other quality sides in the mix.

"They had a fantastic unbeaten run and I believe they'll finish in a strong position.

"It's been a great season and they can cap it with a strong finish."

Seventh-placed Colchester have a dozen games left - starting with Saturday's trip to Salford City.

After that they return to the JobServe Community Stadium for a date with Cheltenham Town on February 29.

Duguid is expecting a grandstand finish and believes his old team should enjoy the challenge, rather than feeling the heat.

"If they win a couple, they'll be right up there in the mix for automatic promotion," said the Heybridge Swifts manager.

"But if they lose a couple, they're likely to drop out of the play-offs.

"It'll keep changing but they just have to win as many of their remaining games as possible.

"I wouldn't think of it as pressure, though.

"There's no point worrying about anything.

"They should just embrace the challenge and go for it."