MARTIN Rowlands insists that Colchester United can mount a strong challenge for the play-offs, during the final couple of months of the season.

Rowlands has played a key role in the U’s resurgence, since his arrival from QPR just over five weeks ago.

The 33-year-old midfielder has only suffered one defeat in his six appearances for the U’s, and today he is relishing a test at one of his former clubs, Wycombe Wanderers.

Rowlands played 10 league games on loan at Adams Park last season. He has a soft spot for the Chairboys, but that won’t stop him wanting to inflict a damaging defeat on the relegation-haunted hosts.

A third win on the bounce would almost certainly catapult the U’s a little nearer to the top six, and that is where Rowlands has set his sights.

“On the back of the results we have recently had, we are six points off the play-offs with two games in hand,” explained Rowlands.

“I know there are a few other teams around there, but there’s no reason why we can’t make a big push for the play-offs.

“We’re up to 10th, and if we can keep up this form, who is to say we can’t make a push for it?” added Rowlands.

U’s boss John Ward is set to name an unchanged side for today’s game, following the 2-0 win at Charlton on Tuesday evening,