Will McLean Take U`s To Cleaners?

Colchester boss Geraint Williams has admitted he does not want a repeat of last season`s ignominious third round against Barnet exit in the FA Cup as his side prepare for tomorrow`s class against Peterborough and former trialist Aaron McLean.

The League Two high-flyers will visit Layer Road with McLean the division`s leading scorer, and, giving Colchester`s patchy form this season - they lie 23rd in the Championship - might fancy their chances for an upset.

The U`s however, are looking to continue their great tradition in the world`s oldest knock-out competition, which recently yielded a trip to London to face then Premier League Champions Chelsea back in 2005.

Mindful only of tomorrow`s clash, however, manager Geraint Williams explained of 16-goal striker McLean: "A lot of players seem to start at a big club and then perhaps don't quite make it and that toughens them up a bit."

McLean, added Williams in today`s edition of the Colchester Evening Gazette, was a former trial player in Essex.

"He's done very, very well at non-league level (with Grays Athletic) and he's taken his second chance with aplomb, so all credit to him," said Williams.