BEN Garner insists Colchester United are ready to act quickly today in their quest to bolster their squad ahead of the transfer deadline.

The U’s want to bring in new players before tonight’s 11pm deadline, especially after injuries to the likes of Nico Lawrence, Ellis Iandolo and Tom Dallison.

Garner admits Colchester have had to adjust their transfer plans accordingly following the injury setbacks – and the U’s boss says they are prepared for any eventuality ahead of the window closing.

READ MORE: U's set to be 'open for business' right up to deadline

Garner said: “We’ve had to adjust to it.

“It’s unfortunate and we didn’t want that to happen but we can’t ignore it.

Gazette:

“It’s happened and we’re trying to find contingency plans now and we’re working away on that.

“We’ve only got a certain budget and we have to stay within that, unless we do generate funds ourselves.

“You have to be on your toes, especially at this stage of the window.

“We’ll be ready to act very quickly, if something happens which we’re prepared to do.

“I’m always quite glad when the window closes, if I’m honest.

READ MORE: Ben Garner provides fresh transfer update ahead of deadline

“It gives me a lot more time in the week to get on with being on the grass, and working with the players and focusing on the team performance.

“We’ve worked hard in this window and we want to finish it strongly but we’ll be glad when it closes.”

Garner is keen to bring the right characters into his group, as they bid to move up the League Two table.

Gazette: Colchester United

“It’s about creating a team culture and a group mentality,” said Garner.

“But ultimately, everyone has got their own concerns, ambitions, desires.

“We’ve got players with children who have to pay the mortgage and thinking about the future; we’ve got young players taking their first steps in their career and just want to play.

“No fear and the world is their oyster.

READ MORE: Nico Lawrence set for prolonged spell on the sidelines

“It’s about bringing that all together, taking all these different stories and all these different motivations and bringing it together in one united cause.

“That’s the challenge but we’re getting there and I think we’re improving weekly on that.

“The group is getting closer together and you could see that from the celebrations for the goals last Saturday with the fans and I think that shows where we’re going as a club.”