Colchester United manager Joe Dunne is confident he now has the squad to steer the U’s away from trouble.

The U’s boss has made seven new signings in this month’s transfer window.

Jabo Ibehre, Josh Thompson and Jack Compton have all joined Colchester on permanent deals.

And Chelsea duo Billy Clifford and Sam Walker, along with Dominic Samuel and George Porter, have arrived on loan.

Dunne is still hoping to add to his ranks before the window closes, next Thursday.

However, he is pleased with the way that it has taken shape, as Colchester strive to climb out of the League One relegation zone.

Dunne said: “We have two players for each position for the first time in a long time.

“We have four strikers and four wide players, with four to six midfield players and eight defenders, along with two goalkeepers.

“We have a 22-man squad now for the first time in a while and there’s good competition now.

“I’m very confident with the squad.

“We’ve managed training well, in terms of fitness.

“I’ve been really pleased with the amount of work we’ve got in.

“The players should feel confident because I’m still picking them.

“I have great belief in them and I want them to have great belief in themselves.

“We have to get out of this together.

“There are some players who are out of the team who have a contract for next year should try and honour that contract in League One.

“I want everybody in the squad to chip in and go hammer and tong, between now and the end of the season.”

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.