Colchester United striker John Akinde ahead of Oldham Athletic clash

And the U's striker says the home fans can play their part in helping them clinch a vital victory, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Colchester head into their vital League Two clash sitting three points above the relegation zone and two points above their opponents, who have two games in hand.

The U's know a win can give their survival hopes a big boost and Akinde says the supporters can play a key role, this weekend.

Akinde said: "We're all aware of the situation and the game, on Saturday.

"At the end of the day, it's another game that we need to win whoever we're playing.

"For me, every game is important now coming up between now and the end of the season.

"We want to win every game that we play, regardless of the situation or where we are in the league.

"We know where we are and we're doing our best to get out of it.

"I understand that it's a difficult period for everyone associated with the club - players, fans, staff, the lot.

"It's important that we stick together with positivity from the fans because we need them, especially as we have a few home games coming up.

"We need them behind us, supporting us and being that extra man for us and the boys will do the best we can on the pitch and try and get the results.

"The fans are massive - it creates an atmosphere for us, opposition players will feel it as well.

"It'll just give us that extra boost, especially when the fans are behind you.

"If they're not, then it makes it that much more difficult so I guess all we want is the support and hopefully we can do the same on the pitch and give our all."

Akinde returned to Colchester's starting line-up against Hartlepool United on Tuesday night after being laid low by a bout of Covid-19.

The 32-year-old played for 60 minutes against Pools, having missed the U's previous four games after contracting the virus.

"I've had Covid and was struggling a little bit so it was good to just get some minutes into the legs and hopefully kick on from there," said the former Lincoln City and Gillingham forward.

"It definitely took longer than I thought it would to recover from Covid, considering I'm triple vaccinated.

"I thought it would be a five-day job and back but for whatever reason, it took longer and afterwards I felt pretty rough, as well.

"But hopefully, I'm at the other end of it now.

"I was pleased to get the minutes and I just want to build on that and get the fitness and sharpness back, as soon as possible.

"We were disappointed to lose and concede the goals we did against Hartlepool, having been one up.

"But the positives were that we're creating good chances.

"We're just trying to take the positives and prepare for the next game."

Akinde joined Colchester on a two-and-a-half year contract, last month.

He left Gillingham by mutual consent to join the U's, who had been chasing the striker for some time.

Akinde added: "The fact that I knew that I was wanted here played a part in me coming here.

"Every player that signs for a club wants to feel wanted and appreciated for what they can do and provide for the team.

"It's been on the cards a number of times that Colchester had shown interest and this was the right time to get it done.

"We've got very good players in the squad.

"It's a case of gelling very quickly and getting the best out of each other."