Karl Duguid will return to a Colchester United squad tonight that is being told to forget the opposition, believe in themselves and just go out and win.

The all-action Duguid was a notable absentee, because of a one-match suspension, from the U's line-up that crashed 4-1 at Oldham on Saturday.

U's boss Steve Whitton said: "Karl is only one of a growing number of young players who I'm banking on to take this club forward - starting with a positive result from tonight's game against Stoke.

Back for the U's - Karl Duguid returns to the squad for tonight's match against Stoke

"They are a very good side and our record against them over the seasons has not been the best.

"It's a great opportunity for us to put that right tonight as long as I can get my players performing.

"We are good enough to beat anyone in our division and we have proved time and again that games like tonight's are better for us than against lesser teams, who simply turn up at Layer Road and shut up shop against us.

"Stoke are pressing hard for promotion and will surely be looking to beat us.

"It's up to us to make the most of the situation and I know my players can do it, especially the younger ones, if they forget who they are playing."