Magnus Okuonghae revealed Aidy Boothroyd’s inspirational half-time team-talk helped drive Colchester United to claim a point at Southampton.

The U’s might have crumbled in the second half at St Mary’s, after seeing Kem Izzet sent off and captain Pat Baldwin stretchered off in the space of a few first-half minutes against the Saints.

The second half would have seemed a daunting prospect but according to defender Okuonghae, new U’s boss Boothroyd helped calm any nerves with his half-time chat. Okuonghae said: “The gaffer came in at half-time and gave us the most positive team-talk I’ve ever encountered.

“He told us to stick together and we had the belief to go out and do well.

“That settled us, after having a man sent off.

“We responded and stuck together to get a result.”

Okuonghae was outstanding in helping Colchester claim a draw against Southampton and secure their first clean sheet of the campaign.

Okuonghae, a summer signing from Dagenham and Redbridge, admitted a point was just reward for a battling display from the U’s.

“It was never going to be an easy place to come to,” said the powerful 23-year-old.

“It was always going to be hard and when you go down to ten men and lose your captain, you have to be pleased with a point.

“We dug it out though and you have to give credit to the boys.”

Okuonghae was handed the captain’s armband following Baldwin’s injury and Izzet’s red card.

He admitted he relished the role and enjoyed leading the U’s for the first time.

Okuonghae added: “I’d love to do it again.

“I liked the responsibility and it was an honour.

“The boys are great here and I’ve wanted to play in League One and progress.

“I’m enjoying it and promotion is still the aim for us.”