Tony Humes says he is confident that his forwards can fire Colchester United to League One safety.

The U’s boss opted against reinforcing his attacking options before yesterday’s emergency loan deadline.

Colchester lost the services of striker Rhys Healey last week, after he was recalled from his loan spell by his parent club Cardiff City.

But although he revealed he considered signing a replacement, Humes believes his offensive options will be more than adequate for the crucial final run-in.

Humes said: “We looked at one or two but we’re not going to bring someone in just for the sake of it.

“We’ll get by with what we’ve got and Chris Porter has done great since he’s come in and scored goals.

“Macauley Bonne has proved that he can step up so I think we’ll go with what we’ve got and we’re only going to bring players in who we feel are going to make us better.

“We did look at the possibilities but the right personnel aren’t available and we’re confident in the players we’ve got.”

Colchester are without a game this weekend, owing to the postponement of their home game with Swindon Town because of the Robins’ international call-ups.

The U’s are four points adrift of safety in League One, ahead of their trip to play Port Vale on Good Friday.

“We’ve have liked to have kept the momentum going and we’re disappointed that we couldn’t do that,” said Humes.

“The players have trained well this week – they’ll have a rest this weekend and then come back in next week ready to prepare for Port Vale.

“I don’t think the rest does us any harm as long as things are done correctly and the players look after themselves and their focus is on Port Vale next week.

“We know what an important game that is for us and we need to prepare to make sure that we’re giving everything that we’ve got, going into that game.

“If you have a game in hand, as long as the results go for you it’s a benefit.

“You don’t want to be chasing trying to catch more points but it’s very concentrated down there.

“If the results go for us this weekend, it gives us even more to challenge ourselves and chase.”

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