Drey Wright needs to add goals to his game, says Colchester United boss John McGreal

Attacker Wright is still waiting for his first goal of the season, after missing a good first-half chance during Saturday’s 1-1 home draw against Port Vale.

The 22-year-old has operated as an attacking midfielder, winger and striker this term, but has so far drawn a blank in 25 senior outings.

“Drey (Wright) at the moment does need his numbers to match his performances,” admitted McGreal.

“The way he has been playing, he has got into areas, but he needs to add goals to his game to bring him up to that next level as such, the level at which Sammie Szmodics (11 goals this season) is at.

“At least he is getting those opportunities, and that’s all you can ask. Hopefully he will get a goal soon,” added McGreal.

The U’s have just had a couple of days to recover, before today’s trip to West Sussex to take on hosts Crawley Town.

“It’s all about recovery time for us. It’s a tough ask with four goals in nine games,” explained McGreal.

“We have a limited squad, so it’s about recovery and analysis of the opposition.

“It’s no surprise to me that Crawley won at Accrington (3-2 on Saturday). This division is really tight, anyone can beat anyone on their day, as you could see from Yeovil beating (third-placed) Exeter.”

Long-term injury victim Kurtis Guthrie made a welcome return to the first-team squad over the weekend.

The 24-year-old striker has faced a tough road back to fitness after damaging ankle ligaments 10 months ago.

He was an unused substitute against Port Vale, but could well be employed at some stage at Broadfield Stadium this afternoon.

“It’s great to have Kurtis (Guthrie) back,” said McGreal.

“He hasn’t had a game as such, but just having him back in the squad and having a feel for it, on the bench, is great.

“We were close to bringing him on, but I just thought – was it worth the risk late on? Instead, (Brandon) Hanlan was ideal to try and stretch it late on.”