KIT Symons has pledged to make changes for tonight's League One test at Tranmere Rovers.Colchester United's caretaker manager is happy with the strength of the U's squad, but he will make a few alterations for the tricky trip to Prenton Park.

Carl Marston

KIT Symons has pledged to make changes for tonight's League One test at Tranmere Rovers.

And that could include a quickfire debut for Gary Borrowdale, who became Symons' first signing when moving on an emergency loan from Coventry City yesterday afternoon.

Borrowdale is in contention for the left-back berth. The 23-year-old made more than 100 appearances for his first club Crystal Palace, while Symons was on the coaching staff at Selhurst Park. He moved to Coventry during the summer of 2007.

The inclusion of Borrowdale in the squad could be one of several alterations that Symons makes to the side. United have disappointed in their last two outings, a 2-0 defeat at Crewe and a 3-0 home reverse to MK Dons.

But although Symons is eager to avoid a hat-trick of defeats, it is the performance rather than the result that most concerns him.

“It's been a very difficult week for everyone. We have all had to look at ourselves, and we'll be looking for a good response at Tranmere,” insisted Symons.

“The players and in fact all of us know that we have not been good enough. George (Williams) and I were often left scratching our heads as to why an excellent week in training did not translate into match-day.

“There will be a couple of changes for the Tranmere game. I have my own ideas about the sort of team that I want, and how things should be done.

“Everyone has their own opinions and I will implement a few changes. I hope to get a response from the players, for several different reasons.

“I'm not going to reinvent the wheel, just fine-tune some areas to try and make a big difference,” added Symons.

Left-back Matt Lockwood remains sidelined by tendonitis in his knee, while leading scorer Steven Gillespie serves the second of his three-match suspension following his sending-off at Crewe.

Otherwise, though, Symons has a big squad at his disposal. The likes of striker Scott Vernon, midfielder Dean Hammond and defender Matt Heath are among those pushing for a start.

“I've been at the club for nine months, which isn't too long, though it's long enough to get a feel for the club. I fully understand what we have got, and I know the potential,” said Symons.

“Tranmere are a very big and physical side, and we need to match them in this department, then our ability should win through.

“It's more a response and a performance that I want at Tranmere, rather than just a result. If we lose 1-0 having performed well and to the best of our ability, then I'll be happy with the players, although it might not do me that much good in the long run,” added Symons.