COLCHESTER United boss Joe Dunne was full of praise for Ian Henderson, who celebrated his first league start under the Irishman with the U’s second goal in last night’s 2-0 win at Leyton Orient.

Dunne also revealed that Henderson could have left the club (on loan), if he had wished, during the last month.

But the striker wanted to stay and fight for his place in the team, and he was given that chance when coming in for an injured Sanchez Watt at Brisbane Road.

“Ian could have left the club,” revealed Dunne.

“In my short period of taking over, another club was interested in taking him. But Ian said to me that he wanted to stay and fight, and that he could give something to the team.

“I explained the situation with the loans that we had coming in, and his attitude has been amazing. That’s the reward you get.”

The U’s have now won five of their six league games under Dunne, who continued: “We have got the momentum, but you earn momentum I believe.

“The big thing is the work ethic from the players, and I feel we are at a stage now where we know that if we drop below it, we won’t win.

“As I’ve said before, and I have said to the players, we can’t carry anybody. Everyone has to step up and give 100%.

“Anyone who gives 80% – not good enough! Then we would fail. But at the moment, everyone is doing their best and you can see it now with the changes and the substitutes.”