COLCHESTER United striker Frank Nouble believes he and his "fearless" team-mates will embrace the high-pressure task of chasing promotion.

The U's are sixth in the table and in the play-off zone, heading into tomorrow's League Two date with struggling Scunthorpe United at the JobServe Community Stadium.

There are nine games left and every one of them represents a chance to enhance the club's lofty position.

Nouble, 28, admits the stakes are high but says everyone in the squad - regardless of age or experience - is up for the challenge ahead.

"Each week there will be pressure but it's better to play with pressure," he said.

"Scunthorpe will come here with little pressure, apart from trying to spoil our day.

"It's difficult for teams halfway down the table, a long way from the play-offs.

"Our situation is different because we're right in it.

"It's in our hands.

"We have everything to play for and, in life, you want to be fighting for things. Pressure's good.

"It brings out the best in us and rather than thinking of it as a bad thing, it's about excitement at the opportunities that are there for us.

"The older players will always encourage the younger ones, in every minute of every training session and match.

"But I don't see any fear in their eyes, anyway.

"I remember when I was 18 or 19, at West Ham.

"We got relegated but I was coming on in games and never once felt scared.

"All the players encouraged me and told me to do whatever I could to help them.

"Now I feel it's my turn, as an older player, to do the same thing, because we're fighting for something positive.

"We're all fighting for the same cause and success this season would be good for all of our careers, whether we're younger or older members of the squad."

Nouble, who has scored five goals this season, was back in the team for last week's 3-0 victory at Carlisle United.

Prior to that he had been on the bench for the games against Salford City and Cheltenham Town.

"It's up to the manager what side he chooses and if I'm not playing, I have to support my team-mates," said the former Ipswich Town man, who joined the U's on a free transfer in July 2018.

"I always want them to support me when I'm playing.

"We've changed our formation a couple of times in the last few weeks.

"Obviously we went with two up front last weekend and it worked well, so hopefully that can continue."