Joe Dunne is confident his Colchester United side can put the boot into relegation rivals Bury - despite an untimely virus hitting his squad.

A number of key U’s players have been laid low by the bug this week and are doubts for their showdown with the Shakers, at Gigg Lane.

Colchester will today assess the fitness of at least “four or five” of their squad members who are under the weather, ahead of the League One relegation clash.

They are already without striker Jabo Ibehre, who serves the final game of his three-match suspension tomorrow.

And with key duo Tom Eastman (ankle) and Freddie Sears (knee) both ruled out through injury, the U’s have selection concerns.

Sears could return for Colchester’s home match with MK Dons next weekend but Eastman is likely to be out for longer.

Dunne said: “We have a virus in the camp, which we need to look at today.

“We’ve got about four or five players who have picked up an illness, who are key players."

See Friday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, including a full preview of their game at Bury tomorrow.