Strong minds, rather than silky skills, are going to be required for Colchester United to beat the drop for the second successive season.

The U’s entertain already-promoted Brentford in their final home game this afternoon, and no one knows the Bees better than midfielder Marcus Bean.

London-born Bean, who spent four seasons at Griffin Park, before his switch to Colchester in 2012, is set to play in the engine room against his old club.

The 29-year-old has the utmost respect for the Bees, but he is determined to ensure that the U’s still have their destiny in their own hands, going into the following weekend’s last game at Walsall.

“It’s all about strong minds. It’s whoever cracks first now, out of the teams at the bottom,” insisted Bean.

“I think that 90% of it is mental, and that’s probably been our biggest downfall this season. We have the quality, but mentally we have not been at it, at certain times.

“It’s been fine margins for us, especially with hitting the woodwork so much (16 times this season). But then that’s what football is all about – fine margins.

“We have got to keep going. We are in the positions we are, and the table doesn’t lie.

“There’s something a little bit wrong, although I think there’s not that much wrong.

“It’s just the little things wrong have created the situation we are in.

“The key for us is to keep out of the bottom four, going into the final game at Walsall.

“Then we know that if we win, we stay up. That is the key. Whatever happens this weekend, that has to be our aim,” added Bean.

Tough-tackling Bean, who played 168 senior appearances for Brentford, between 2008 and 2012, believes that a big crowd and a cracking atmosphere will help the U’s cause.

“It’s a great opportunity to get ourselves safe. It’s still in our hands and everyone is really positive,” continued Bean.

“There will be a big crowd and there should be a good atmosphere, which will be a bit of a change.

“Brentford will be bringing quite a few with them (sold more than 3,000 tickets), and hopefully our fans will be there in full voice as well, especially as it is the last home game.

“It’s a chance for us to create a positive atmosphere.”

The U’s, who are one point clear of the relegation zone, with two games left, are sweating on the fitness of centre-half Magnus Okuonghae. He limped off with a tweaked hamstring during the closing minutes of the goalless draw at Crewe on Easter Monday.