Colchester United's under-pressure forward Dean Morgan has vowed to battle on in spite of the Layer Road boo-boys.

Teenager Morgan endured a torrid time from some sections of the home crowd during Saturday's 1-1 with Notts County.

The 19-year-old was the subject of fans' frustration with what they saw as a below-par display.

U's boss Phil Parkinson, popular defender Alan White and supporters' chief Jon Burns have backed Morgan to overcome his critics, saying the crowd need to give him more encouragement.

But a defiant Morgan told the Evening Gazette: "I'm not going to let the crowd get me down.

"They used to. It came to the point where I couldn't take it.

"But now I just think it's their decision, I don't care anymore.

"Of course I'd prefer to be cheered, but what can I do?

"When I score, the fans are shouting my name, but when I don't they get on my back."

Morgan admits his relaxed body language may sometimes give the impression that he doesn't care.

But the Enfield-born youngster, who said he thought he played 'quite well' against County, said: "Whitts (former manager Steve Whitton) and Phil Parkinson have spoken to me about this and they say I sometimes look as if I'm not giving my all.

"But that's just me. I have a lazy way about me but I will always give 100 per cent."

Burns, the Colchester United Supporters' Association chairman, said: "I'm all for Dean Morgan and I think the rest of the supporters should lay off him."

More on Colchester United FC

What are your views on Colchester United? Have your say on our Views on the U's bulletin board.

Published Wednesday, April 16, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette