Colchester United boss Steve Whitton was backing goal-machine Steve McGavin to continue his scoring form last night against former club Wycombe Wanderers.

The U's front-man had scored ten goals since rejoining the club from Northampton earlier in the season and was aiming to add to that tally against their old rivals at Layer Road.

McGavin scored both goals in the 2-1 win at Notts County at the weekend and Whitton sees him as the man to steer the U's clear of the Second Division relegation zone.

He said: "McGavin's in the form of his life at the moment and is proving he wants to do it for the club. Things didn't work out for him at his previous clubs but he's come back and proved to a few people they were wrong to let him go.

"He had a good move to Birmingham a few years ago and unfortunately it didn't go as well as he hoped. It sometimes works like that for players and you can't always put your finger on why they're not performing.

"Guy Whittingham is an example. He was on fire when he started his career at Portsmouth but he didn't do so well when he moved elsewhere.

"As soon as he moved back to Fratton Park he started banging them in again and that's what it's been like for McGavin."

With the U's unbeaten in five matches, the club were expecting their biggest home crowd of the season for the visit of Lawrie Sanchez's side.

Whitton, who welcomed back striker Karl Duguid into the side after a one-match suspension, added before the game: "There is a lot of history between the two sides and that should put a few on the gate.

"We're not getting carried away but we've had some excellent results in recent weeks.

"People haven't stopped talking about the 5-4 win against Bristol Rovers and if that doesn't get the fans down to Layer Road I don't know what will.

"The supporters know there is still a lot of work to be done and we're not safe from relegation but things are certainly picking up."

Brighton loanee Ross Johnson was making his first home appearance after an impressive debut at Meadow Lane.

Aaron Skelton (groin) was again missing from the squad but should be fit to return against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Long-term injury victim Steve Forbes (ankle) has resumed training and could be back in the frame next month.

Goal machine - former Wanderer Steve McGavin.

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