COLCHESTER United stalwart Wayne Brown believes that “anything is possible” this season.Centre-half Brown is just three games away from achieving the notable feat of playing in every minute of every game.

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United stalwart Wayne Brown believes that “anything is possible” this season.

Centre-half Brown is just three games away from achieving the notable feat of playing in every minute of every game.

He is carrying a few knocks at the moment, but you wouldn't bet against him playing the full 90 minutes against leaders Sunderland on Saturday, and repeating the dose at Stoke and in the end of season clash with Crystal Palace.

United are just four points adrift of the play-offs, thanks to a haul of 13 points from a possible 15 in their last five fixtures. It all adds up to exciting times at Layer Road.

“The Sunderland game is a huge game. They will be looking to win it to possibly get promoted, but we're also looking for the three points,” insisted Brown.

“We never anticipated that we would ever be in this situation, especially after losing our first four league games of the season. I thought that it was going to be a long, hard season, which I suppose it still has been.

“We have done well, but we're not getting above our station. We have three games left, and it's all about us. We were a little bit disappointed not to win at Hull (1-1 draw), but we have another chance against Sunderland.

“They're going well, but they'll have looked at the fixtures and they won't relish coming to Layer Road. They won't be looking forward to it,” added Brown.

It would be a marvellous achievement for any player to go the whole season without missing a single minute of action, but it's extra-special for a central defender - they usually have a spell on the sidelines at some point, even if it's just for accruing five bookings and serving a suspension.

But Brown has only picked up four yellow cards in his 45 league and cup appearances this term, and he has also shrugged off countless little niggles to start each game.

“I've had a few problems with my shoulder, and I was carrying a knock after only 30 seconds against Hull,” revealed Brown, following a challenge with City striker Nicky Forster.

“It was just a case of battling on. It would be good to go the whole season playing every single minute, but there are still three games left, so I'm not taking anything for granted.

“I'm really looking forward to this Saturday. Sunderland will bring down loads of fans. They are very passionate and amongst the best in the country.

“But we've had tremendous support at home ourselves this season. They have really got behind us and we've got a great record at home,” added Brown. The U's have won 14 of their 21 Layer Road fixtures.

The 29-year-old former Ipswich Town and Watford defender passed the landmark of 150 senior appearances for the U's last month. Saturday will be his 157th outing in a Colchester shirt, and the 267th of his career.

Sunderland are currently four points clear of second-placed Derby County. If they beat the U's, and the Rams lose next weekend, then Roy Keane's men will have wrapped up promotion to the top flight.